Seeking to console fellow Democrats, US President Joe Biden delivered remarks to the nation Thursday in what was his first appearance on camera following Republican Donald Trump’s decisive victory.
"Setbacks are unavoidable. Giving up is unforgiveable," Biden said at the White House Rose Garden as he addressed staff who were disappointed in Vice President Kamala Harris' defeat. "A defeat does not mean we are defeated."
Biden said Tuesday's election had proven the integrity of the US electoral system and said he would preside over an orderly transfer of power.
"We lost this battle. The America of your dreams is calling for you to get back up," he said.
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.”
“America endures,” he said. “We’re going to be ok, but we need to stay engaged.”
Some Democrats have blamed Biden, 81, for Harris' defeat, saying he should not have sought reelection. Biden only dropped his reelection bid in July after a disastrous TV debate with Trump raised alarm bells about his mental fitness.
Trump's campaign said Biden had invited him to meet at the White House at an unspecified time. In the weeks ahead, Trump will select personnel to serve under his leadership.
