WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden on Thursday urged Americans to turn down the political heat, saying he would make sure he did so in a national address after Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris. Peaceful transition of power.
In a solemn speech from the White House, Biden also said the results should “put to rest” doubts about the integrity of the US electoral system after Trump refused to concede his 2020 defeat to Democrats. “What I hope we can do, whoever you voted for, is see each other not as enemies but as fellow Americans. Turn the temperature down,” Biden said.
Employees rose to their feet, cheered and applauded as Biden arrived at the famed Rose Garden. The 81-year-old dropped out of the race against Trump in July and handed the Democratic nomination to his running mate, Harris. Biden said he called Trump to congratulate him and assure him there would be a “peaceful and orderly” transition. Trump has refused to attend Biden’s inauguration in 2021.
The outgoing president also urged supporters not to lose hope after Trump’s re-election, which is likely to overturn many of Biden’s policies. “Beats are inevitable. Defeat is unforgivable. Remember, defeat does not mean we are defeated,” he said.
Biden’s comments were in contrast to billionaire Trump, whose denial of an election defeat four years ago culminated in a violent attack by Trump supporters on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Biden has invited Trump to meet at the White House, in what will be their first meeting since Biden’s disastrous debate performance against Trump in June that forced him out of the race.