[US Election 2024]
Emphasizing Fairness of Election System
To Supporters: "Don't Give Up, Keep the Faith"
No Mention of Responsibility for Defeat Inside or Outside the Party
"If the American people choose, we accept that choice." On the 7th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden stated that he would guarantee a peaceful and orderly transfer of power to President-elect Donald Trump, who won the November 5 election. He also emphasized that the U.S. election system is fair and transparent.
In a national address held at the White House Rose Garden that day, President Biden said, "You cannot love your country only when you win. You cannot love your neighbor only when you agree with them." He mentioned that he had spoken with President-elect Trump the previous day and promised him, "I assured him that I would direct the entire government to cooperate with his team for a peaceful and orderly transfer of power."
He also expressed hope that "we can put to rest doubts about the integrity of the American election system," emphasizing, "It is honest, fair, transparent, and trustworthy regardless of whether you win or lose." He then thanked volunteers and others who played a role in ensuring the fairness of the election at polling stations across the country.
President Biden stated, "Just as they fulfilled their civic duties, I will also fulfill my duties as president," and emphasized, "I will uphold my oath and respect the Constitution. On January 20, the day the next president is inaugurated, we will achieve a peaceful transfer of power in America."
Along with this, President Biden encouraged the Democratic Party and its supporters, who were frustrated by Vice President Kamala Harris's defeat and the loss of the Senate majority, saying, "I know this is a difficult time," but "let us not forget all that we have accomplished. It was a historic presidency." He added, "The bills we passed are now being implemented," highlighting, "You will see over one trillion dollars in infrastructure projects underway, and the lives of people in rural communities and struggling areas will change." He also acknowledged, "I know people are still suffering," but self-assessed, "Together, we have made America a better place." Regarding Vice President Harris, he said, "She has a great character and sincerity," and "She gave her all with heart and effort. She and her campaign should be proud of their campaign."
The final message President Biden sent to the American people that day was "Do not give up." He said, "There are 74 days left until the end of my term. We must make each day meaningful," and "Frustration is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable." He continued, "We all can fall, but resilience is measured by how quickly we get up. Defeat does not mean we are broken," and "We must continue to engage and move forward. Above all, we must keep the faith."
Originally, President Biden was scheduled to have a rematch with former President Trump in this election, but after the first TV debate between the presidential candidates hosted by CNN aired, concerns about his advanced age and cognitive abilities spread, leading him to withdraw from the Democratic presidential nomination race in July, near the end of the campaign. Vice President Harris then stepped in as a substitute but was defeated.
Currently, within the Democratic Party, there are growing criticisms that President Biden should have given up on his re-election bid sooner and allowed a more competitive candidate to run. According to local media including Politico, some Democratic officials publicly claim that Biden pursued re-election despite his lack of popularity and only halted his campaign at the last moment after President-elect Trump’s comeback stage was set. One official stated, "Now is not the time to throw punches or worry about someone’s feelings," and argued, "He (Biden) should not have run from the start. He caused tremendous damage to this country." Another official said, "Biden should have stepped down earlier to allow the party to develop a longer-term plan."
However, President Biden did not mention these defeat responsibility claims in his speech that day.
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