Obama Couple Also Congratulates Trump: "Democracy Means Peaceful Transfer of Power"

[US Election 2024]
Obama and Michelle Urge Unity in America
Clinton Couple Also Issues Statement Calling for "Governance for All"

"This is clearly not the result we hoped for. But living in a democracy means recognizing that our perspective does not always prevail." Former U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, both Democrats, congratulated Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump on his election victory on the 6th (local time) while urging Democratic supporters to accept the election results and work toward American unity.

[Image source=UPI Yonhap News]

In a statement released that day, former President Obama and Mrs. Obama said, "We want to congratulate Trump and JD Vance (Republican vice presidential candidate) on their victory." They acknowledged, "Considering the huge differences between us and the Republican candidates on various issues, this is clearly not the outcome we hoped for," but emphasized that in a democratic society, we must recognize that our viewpoint does not always win and willingly accept a peaceful transfer of power.

This aligns with the tone of Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris, who gave her concession speech just prior. Vice President Harris officially acknowledged her defeat in the presidential election and pledged to assist the Trump administration's transition and encourage the public to participate in a peaceful transfer of power. She especially urged supporters to "accept the results when you lose an election as a fundamental principle," requesting that events like the January 6 Capitol riot during the 2020 election dispute not be repeated. In response, the Obamas, who have been strong supporters of Vice President Harris, also issued a message calling for American unity.

The Obamas also praised Democratic candidates Vice President Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, saying they "ran an amazing campaign" and that they "could not be prouder." They added, "As we said during the campaign, America has experienced a pandemic, soaring inflation due to the pandemic, and rapid changes over the past few years, and many people feel stuck no matter how hard they try," evaluating that "this situation has created a headwind for democratic politicians in office worldwide, and last night showed that America is not immune to this influence."

However, they noted, "The good news is that these problems can be solved," urging, "We must listen to each other and adhere to the core constitutional principles and democratic norms that have made this country great." They further emphasized, "To make progress, it is necessary to show goodwill and tolerance even to those who oppose us," stating, "This is how we have achieved what we have so far and how we will continue to build a fairer, more just, more equal, and freer country."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the same day, former Democratic President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also released a brief statement expressing hope that former President Trump and Senator JD Vance, who won this year’s election, "will govern for all." They encouraged Democratic candidates Vice President Harris and Governor Walz, saying they "ran a campaign that was positive, forward-looking, and something to be proud of." They also reminded, "We must remember that America is bigger than any one election result," urging, "As citizens, what we do now will make the difference between a country moving forward or backward. We must solve problems and seize opportunities together."