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Washington DC/IBNS-CMEDIA: US President Joe Biden Thursday said the country has chosen its leader and that in a democracy, the will of the people always prevails.
This was his first address to the nation since the US presidential election result was out and Republican candidate Donald Trump scripted history with a landslide victory.
Addressing the nation from the White House lawns, President Biden said: “The people have voted and have chosen their President and have done so peacefully. And in a democracy, the will of the people always prevails.”
“Yesterday, I spoke with President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his victory, and I assured him that I would direct my entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition. That is what the American people deserve,” he said.
Happening Now: President Biden addresses the nation to discuss the election results and the transition. https://t.co/K8l2nfBpOb— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 7, 2024
Praising Democrat candidate Kamala Harris, he said: “Yesterday, I also spoke with Vice President Kamala Harris. She has been a partner and a public servant. She ran an inspiring campaign and everyone got to see what I had seeing early on and which I respect so much – her character. She gave her whole-hearted effort, and she and her entire team needs to be proud of the campaign they ran.”
Reflecting on the current mood of the nation, Biden said, “I know for some people, this is a time for victory and celebration, while for others it may be a time of loss and despair. Campaigns are a contest of competing visions The country chooses one or the other. And we all must accept the choice that the country made.”
In a piece of advice to fellow Americans, the 81-year-old leader said: “I have said this many times – that you cannot love your country only when you win. You can’t love your neighbour only when you agree.”
“There’s something I hope you all can do, no matter who you voted for… to see each other not as adversaries, but as fellow Americans. Bring down the temperature.”
Without naming him directly, he had some advice for Trump too. “I hope that we can later lay to rest the question about the integrity of the American electoral system. It is honest, it is fair, it is transparent, and it can be trusted – whether we win or lose. I also hope we can restore the respect for all our election workers, who have busted their necks and took risks at the outset. We should thank them,” Biden said.
Assuring the nation of a peaceful transfer of power, the Democrat leader said, “The people have done their duty as citizens. Now I will do my duty as President. I will fulfill my oath and honour the Constitution. On January 20, 2025, we will have a peaceful transfer of power in America.”
“To all our incredible staff, supporters, cabinet members… to all the people who have been hanging out with me for the last 40 years, God knows I love you. Thank you so very much. You have put in so much over the past 4 years. I understand that this is a difficult time, you’re hurting… I hear you and I see you. But don’t forget all of what we have achieved and accomplished. This has been a historic presidency. Not because I was President, but because of all that you all have done. This has been a presidency for all Americans,” President Biden said concluding his speech.
