President Biden's First Address After the Election

On November 7, two days after Election Day, President Joe Biden gave a six-and-a-half minute speech in the White House Rose Garden. This was Biden’s first address following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 Presidential Election.

Biden began by assuring viewers that his administration would work with Trump’s team to have a peaceful and orderly transfer of power. He continued by explaining his hopes that voters can “lay to rest the questions about the integrity of the American electoral system.” Worries about a peaceful transfer of power and questions about election integrity both stem from lies and frustration resulting from Trump’s loss in the 2020 election.

After congratulating Trump, Biden spoke about his Vice President, Kamala Harris, calling her campaign “inspiring” and saying how “everyone got to see something that I learned early on to respect so much—her character.” Biden expressed how proud of Harris he is, assuring her and her team that they should feel the same.

Biden recognized the distress many voters are feeling at this time, yet he spoke with optimism and strength. He sees this as simply another part of the democratic process, and recognizes that not all battles can be won. “Remember a defeat does not mean we are defeated. The America of your dreams is calling you to get back up.” This is similar to the statements of other Democratic leaders, including Harris herself, calling for people to stand up and shape their own tomorrow, for themselves and their children.

A lasting goal of Biden’s presidency has been to end the political hate and division that continues to make itself clear. He said that the outcome of this election should not change the way anyone sees others. “Something I hope we can do no matter who you voted for is see each other, not as adversaries, but as fellow Americans.” Political violence has become a greater fear among Americans throughout the past few years, largely as a result of the growing division.

For the rest of the days that he has remaining in office, Biden called for him and his administration to make all the time they have count. For them, this is no time to slow down, and Biden hopes this loss will fuel some final efforts for progress. He also gave a special thanks to his staff, cabinet members and, jokingly, “all the people who have been hanging out with [him] for the last four years.”

Biden complimented himself and his team for the work they have put in throughout his “historic” presidency. Confidently, he stated how all the hard work that has been put in “will be felt over the next ten years.” All the progress that Biden feels has been made will finally begin to show throughout the next couple months, he claimed.

It is not a time for Americans to turn their back on the country they desperately want to see change in, Biden continued, “you can’t love your country only when you win.” This is the continuous pattern that the country has and will continue to follow as long as democracy is kept. “We’re gonna be okay, but we need to stay engaged, we need to keep going, and above all, we need to keep the faith.”

Source: “FULL SPEECH: Joe Biden’s addresses the nation after President-elect Trump’s Victory,” ABC News