Joe Biden addressed the nation a day after Donald Trump's victory in the US Presidential election
US President Joe Biden spoke today for the first time since the US election result was known and Donald Trump's victory was certain.
Addressing the nation from the White House lawns, President Biden, in his trademark blue suit and white striped tie, 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.
He went on to say that, "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."
Speaking about the mood of the nation, the US President 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."
Reaching out to fellow Americans, the President had a piece of advice - "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,"
The President went on to make a request to all Americans. "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."
Speaking further to the American people, President Biden had words of advice for Donald Trump, though he did not name him directly. He said, "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."
Assuring the nation of a peaceful transition of power at the White House, President Biden 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.
