President Joe Biden on Thursday formally conceded the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump, offering a gracious acknowledgment of the outcome and vowing a peaceful transfer of power. In a heartfelt address from the Rose Garden at the White House, Biden reflected on his administration’s accomplishments, reassured his supporters, and emphasized the importance of unity in American democracy.
“We accept the choice the country made,” Biden said, addressing the American people after receiving confirmation of Trump’s victory. “You can’t love your country only when you win. You can’t love your neighbor only when you agree.” His comments underscored his belief in the fairness of the election process and the resilience of the democratic system.
Biden, who has served as president since 2021, spoke directly to the American people and reassured them of the country’s strength, despite the political uncertainty. “We’re going to be OK,” Biden said. “This is not the end of the story.” He also expressed confidence in the future of the United States, highlighting the importance of maintaining trust in the democratic process.
The president confirmed that he had called Trump to congratulate him on his victory, adding that he pledged to facilitate a “peaceful and orderly transition” of power on January 20, 2025, as required by the U.S. Constitution. “That’s what the American people deserve,” Biden said. “It’s not just a tradition. It’s a principle that’s vital to our democracy.”
Biden also took the opportunity to praise his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, for her leadership and dedication throughout the campaign. He commended Harris for her “backbone like a ramrod,” acknowledging the tireless effort she put into the race. “She gave her whole heart and effort, and she and her entire team should be proud of the campaign they ran,” Biden said.
In his address, Biden emphasized the “historic” nature of his presidency and the long-term impact of his administration’s policies. He pointed to key achievements, including large-scale infrastructure investments, climate action, and efforts to reduce economic inequality, while noting that the full benefits of these policies would likely take years to manifest. “We’re leaving behind the strongest economy in the world,” Biden said, highlighting record job growth, reduced unemployment, and progress in the fight against climate change.
Despite the electoral setback, Biden urged his supporters to remain hopeful and engaged. “I know many of you are disheartened by this outcome,” he said, acknowledging the disappointment felt by his base. “But defeat does not mean we are defeated.” He stressed the need for continued perseverance in the face of challenges. “Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable. We need to stay engaged. We need to keep going. We need to keep the faith.”
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Biden’s tone was both conciliatory and resolute, acknowledging the divisiveness of the election while calling for unity in moving forward. “We may not always agree, but we must respect one another,” he said. “The American people are strong, and we will move forward together, no matter the outcome.”
As he closed his remarks, Biden also took a moment to express his gratitude for his time in office, reflecting on the challenges his administration had overcome, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the ongoing fight for racial justice and economic equality. “I’ve had the honor of serving as your president,” he said. “And I’ve never been prouder to be part of this great nation.”
The president’s speech marked a key moment in the political transition, signaling not only his acceptance of the election results but also his commitment to ensuring a smooth handover of power. As the country prepares for a new administration, Biden’s words served as a reminder of the strength and resilience of American democracy, even in the face of defeat.
In the coming weeks, Biden and his team will continue to work on the logistics of the transition, ensuring that Trump’s incoming administration is prepared to take office on January 20. With the election now settled, attention will turn to the future, and the challenge of healing a divided nation and moving forward from a contentious election cycle.
