Biden Calls Harris’ Defeat a “Setback,” Urges Unity After 2024 Election
Washington, D.C. — President Joe Biden addressed the nation Thursday morning, reflecting on Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent defeat to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Describing the loss as a “setback,” Biden emphasized the importance of resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
“Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable,” Biden stated during a brief address in the White House Rose Garden. “A defeat does not mean we are defeated.” His remarks came as the nation grapples with the aftermath of a contentious election cycle that has left many Americans divided.
In his speech, Biden called for a collective effort to embrace unity, urging citizens to accept the election results and move forward together. “We accept the choice the country made,” he said, reiterating a sentiment he has expressed in the past: “You can’t love your country only when you win. You can’t love your neighbor only when you agree.” He encouraged Americans to view each other as “fellow Americans” rather than adversaries, advocating for a reduction in the political temperature.
Biden also pledged to ensure a “peaceful and orderly transition” of power, directing his administration to collaborate with Trump’s team. “For over 200 years, America has carried on the greatest experiment in self-government in the history of the world,” he remarked, highlighting the significance of democratic processes and the will of the people.
In a show of support for Harris, Biden praised her campaign efforts, stating, “She ran an inspiring campaign, and everyone got to see something that I learned early on to respect so much — her character.” He commended her dedication and the hard work of her entire team, asserting that they should be proud of their efforts.
Just four months prior, Biden himself was in the race for reelection before stepping aside to support Harris. Now, he finds himself preparing to hand over the reins to Trump, a political rival he has often characterized as a threat to democracy.
In his address, Biden also expressed hope that the recent election would quell doubts surrounding the integrity of the electoral process, a reference to the misinformation propagated by Trump and his supporters following the 2020 election. “I hope we can lay to rest the question about the integrity of the American electoral system — it is honest, it is fair, and it is transparent,” he asserted.
Following the election, Biden reached out to Harris to congratulate her on her campaign, reaffirming that selecting her as his running mate was “the best decision I made.” Harris formally conceded the race in a speech delivered at Howard University, her alma mater, where she underscored the importance of accepting election results as a cornerstone of democracy. “A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results,” she stated, while also emphasizing her commitment to the causes that fueled her campaign.
As Biden prepares for the transition, he has extended an invitation to Trump for a meeting at the White House, which the former president has expressed eagerness to accept. The two have a long history of rivalry, dating back to the 2020 election, and Biden’s administration is now tasked with ensuring a smooth transfer of power amidst a politically charged atmosphere.
As the nation moves forward, both Biden and Harris are calling for a renewed focus on unity and cooperation, reminding Americans that democracy thrives on participation, respect, and the acceptance of diverse viewpoints.
