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President Joe Biden has urged Americans to lower the political temperature after Donald Trump’s crushing victory over Kamala Harris, saying in a conciliatory address to the nation that he would ensure a peaceful transition of power.
In a solemn speech from the White House, Biden also said the result should “lay to rest” doubts about the integrity of the US election system fuelled by Trump’s refusal to acknowledge his own 2020 defeat by the Democrat.
“Something I hope we can do, no matter who you voted for, is see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans. Bring down the temperature,” Biden said.
AFP reports that staff rose to their feet, cheered and clapped as Biden arrived in the famed Rose Garden.
The 81-year-old dropped out of the race against Trump in July and handed the Democratic nomination to Harris, his vice president.
Biden said he had called to congratulate the twice-impeached former president and assure him there would be a “peaceful and orderly” transition.
“On January 20, we’ll have a peaceful transfer of power here in America,” said Biden, whose inauguration Trump had refused to attend.
The outgoing president also urged supporters not to lose hope after the reelection of Trump, who is likely to dismantle many of Biden’s policies as soon as he returns to the White House.
“Remember, a defeat does not mean we are defeated,” he said.
Biden’s comments were in stark contrast to billionaire Trump, whose election defeat denial four years ago culminated in the violent January 6, 2021 assault by Trump’s supporters on the US Capitol.
Biden has invited Trump to meet at the White House, for what would be their first encounter since Biden’s disastrous debate performance against Trump in June that forced him out of the race, AFP reported.
President Bola Tinubu and other world leaders have pledged to work with Trump, despite concerns around the globe about his nationalist “America First” approach and pledges to slap huge tariffs on foreign imports.
Tinubu on Wednesday said, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”
According to him, Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people placed in his leadership.
