Biden promises smooth transfer of power to Trump in White House speech | US election 2024

Joe Biden promised a smooth transition of power to Donald Trump in an address to the nation on Thursday as he pleaded with Americans to “turn the temperature down” on partisan divisions and maintain faith in democratic systems following Kamala Harris’ presidential loss.

“For over 200 years, America has conducted the greatest experiment in self-government in the history of the world,” Biden said in the White House Rose Garden on a sunny morning when the weather did not match the mood among Democrats. “The will of the people always prevails.”

Biden noted that he spoke with Trump on Wednesday to congratulate the president-elect on his victory and pledge his administration’s full cooperation to “ensure a peaceful and orderly transition.”

“This is what the American people deserve,” Biden added.

Biden delivered his remarks to a crowd of dignitaries and family members, including his grandson Finn, who all greeted him with extended applause as he approached his podium. In a speech that combined reflexivity with surprising optimism, Biden suggested that the end of one of the most bitter presidential contests in American history should serve as an opportunity to build unity among the American people.

“Campaigns are contests of competing visions. The country chooses one or the other, and we accept the choice the country has made,” Biden said. “Something to hope we can do, regardless of who you voted for, is not see each other as adversaries, but as other Americans—turn the temperature down.”

After Harris’ devastating defeat left many of her supporters worried about the nation’s trajectory, Biden took a moment to praise his vice president for an exemplary campaign. Harris had about 100 days to win the White House after Biden withdrew from the presidential race in July. Although she fell short, Harris offered an important example of true public service, Biden said.

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“She ran an inspiring campaign, and everyone got to see something that I learned to respect so much early on: her character,” Biden said. “She gave her whole-hearted effort and she and her entire team should be proud of the campaign they ran.”

The President similarly applauded the thousands of poll workers who ensured a safe and smooth election day, pointing to their work as an example of the country’s “honest”, “fair” and “transparent” electoral system. Trump and his allies have repeatedly raised unfounded doubts about the integrity of the US electoral system, although they were particularly quiet on that issue after the Republicans’ strong performance on Tuesday.

Biden did not shy away from addressing Democrats’ disappointment and grief over the election results that gave Republicans control of the White House and Senate. The House of Representatives remained too close to call Thursday afternoon, but Republicans expressed confidence they would retain their narrow majority in the lower chamber.

Biden praised his administration for a “historic presidency” that included the passage of several landmark bills on infrastructure, the climate crisis and health care. These laws will continue to reap benefits for the American people for years and even decades into the future, Biden said Thursday.

“I know it’s a difficult time. You’re hurting. I hear you and I see you,” Biden told his colleagues. “But don’t forget that. Don’t forget all that we achieved.”

Turning his attention to the final weeks of his presidency, Biden pledged to continue the work of the American people over the next 74 days.

“Setbacks are inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable,” Biden said. “We all get knocked down, but the measure of our character, as my father would say, is how quickly we get back up.”

Biden, who has repeatedly argued that America’s best days are still ahead, leaned on his trademark optimism to offer a pep talk to the nation. The story is long, Biden reminded his country, and Trump’s victory serves only as a chapter in a much more expansive story.

“Defeat does not mean we are defeated. We lost this battle. The America of your dreams calls you to rise again. That is the story of America for over 240 years and counting,” Biden said.

“The American experiment continues. We will probably get by, but we must remain committed. We must continue. And above all: we must keep the faith.”

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