Biden urges Americans to 'bring down the temperature', pledges peaceful transition to Trump
US President Joe Biden spoke to the nation on Thursday in what was his first appearance on camera after Donald Trump’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris.
"For over 200 years, America has carried on the greatest experiment in self-government in the history of the world.
"The people vote and choose their own leaders, and they do it peacefully. And we're in a democracy. The will of the people always prevails," he said.
Mr Biden said he had spoken to Mr Trump and assured him he would direct his administration to ensure a “peaceful and orderly transition”, because that is what the people deserve.
Mr Biden was subtly nodding to how Mr Trump, in 2020, refused to accept he lost the election. Mr Trump was re-elected this week.
"Yesterday, I also spoke with Vice President Harris. She's been a partner and a public servant.
"She gave her whole heart and effort, and she and her entire team should be proud of the campaign they ran," Mr Biden said.
Mr Biden was speaking from the Rose Garden at the White House after Democrat Kamala Harris lost to Donald Trump, speaking to his supporters and Americans.
The president reiterated that the US election system “is honest, it is fair, and it is transparent. And it can be trusted, win or lose”.
"I will do my duty as president. I fulfill my oath and I will honor the Constitution. On January 20th, we'll have a peaceful transfer of power here in America," he added.
"You can't love your country only when you win. You can't love your neighbor only when you agree. 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," he said.
He closed by saying that defeat does not mean one is defeated.
"Setbacks are unavoidable. Giving up is unforgivable. America endures,” he said.
“We’re going to be OK, but we need to stay engaged.”