In his first address to the nation following the 2024 election, President Joe Biden on Thursday acknowledged Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss to Donald Trump. Calling the defeat a “setback,” Biden encouraged Americans to stay unified and avoid succumbing to division.
Biden Calls for Unity and Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Transition
“Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable,” Biden said. “A defeat does not mean we are defeated.” He urged Americans to accept the election results, emphasizing, “We accept the choice the country made.”
Biden’s address comes just months after he exited the presidential race, passing the nomination to Harris, whom he described as “a tremendous partner and public servant full of integrity, courage, and character.” Reflecting on their work together, he shared, “Choosing her as my running mate was the best decision I made.”
Transition of Power and Call for Unity
Biden made clear his administration’s commitment to a “peaceful and orderly transition” of power to President-elect Trump. “For over 200 years, America has carried on the greatest experiment in self-government in the history of the world,” Biden remarked. “The will of the people always prevails.”
The president also directly addressed the contentious atmosphere surrounding the election. “Something I hope we can do, no matter who you voted for, is see each other not as adversaries, but as fellow Americans,” he said. Biden underscored the importance of unity, adding, “We have to bring down the temperature.”
Throughout the campaign, Biden warned about the potential implications of a Trump victory, having clashed with Trump since their own 2020 face-off. Despite this, Biden extended a cordial invitation to Trump for a White House meeting, an offer Trump had not extended to Biden in 2020.
Praising Harris’ Resilience and Vision
Biden expressed deep admiration for Harris’ campaign and her unwavering commitment. “She ran an inspiring campaign, and everyone got to see something I learned early on to respect so much—her character,” he said. Harris, too, addressed her supporters, encouraging them to remain hopeful despite the loss. “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” she said.
Concluding his statement, he emphasized his hope that this election would reaffirm confidence in America’s electoral process, stating, “Our electoral system is honest, fair, and transparent. It can be trusted, win or lose.”