President Biden on Thursday urged Democrats to accept their defeat to President-elect Donald Trump and emphasized that his political rival won the election fair and square.
“Something I hope we can do is see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans. Bring down the temperature,” Mr. Biden said in remarks from the White House Rose Garden. “I also hope we can lay to rest the question about the integrity of the American electoral system. It is honest. It is fair and it is transparent and it can be trusted, win or lose.”
The president pledged a peaceful transfer of power and urged his staff to do the same. It was also a political jab at Mr. Trump, who called the 2020 election rigged, helping result in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
“I will do my duty as president,” Mr. Biden said. “I’ll fulfill my oath, and I will honor the Constitution. On Jan. 20, we will have a peaceful transfer of power here in America.”
He concluded his remarks focused on his legacy, lamenting that several of his biggest legislative accomplishments, such as the bipartisan infrastructure law, won’t have an impact for another decade.
“I know this is a difficult time … but don’t forget all that we accomplished. It’s been a historic presidency, not because I’m president but because of what we’ve done, what you’ve done,” he said. “A presidency for all Americans. Much of the work we’ve done is being felt by the American people. The vast majority of it will be felt over the next 10 years.”
Mr. Biden was seeking reelection until just four months ago when he was pressured to bow out following an incoherent debate performance against Mr. Trump. Vice President Kamala Harris replaced him atop the ticket and lost Tuesday.
The president’s address comes one day after Ms. Harris formally conceded the race in a speech at Howard University, where she told supporters to accept the election results and committed to a peaceful transfer of power.
Mr. Biden spoke with Ms. Harris over the phone on Wednesday to congratulate her on her campaign, despite the loss. In a statement, the president called her “a tremendous partner and public servant” who “stepped up and led a historic campaign.”
The president also spoke that day to Mr. Trump and invited the president-elect to a meeting at the White House.
Mr. Trump “looks forward to the meeting,” said his campaign spokesman Steven Cheung in a statement.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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