Biden Promises Peaceful Transition, Offers Congratulations to Trump
President Joe Biden, with a smile, promised a “peaceful transfer of power” on January 20, when President-elect Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, Al Jazeera reports.
“I will do my duty as president,” Biden stated in a brief seven-minute address delivered from the White House Rose Garden on Thursday. “On January 20, we will have a peaceful transfer of power.”
Biden extended his congratulations to Trump. Despite the Democrats’ disappointment, Biden attempted to project a positive message.
He confirmed that he had promised a smooth transition during a Wednesday phone call with Trump, during which he also invited the Republican leader to a meeting at the White House.
Biden also mentioned speaking with Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday, offering his congratulations on her run for the presidency.
While Biden expressed his intention to ensure a seamless transition, his speech was tinged with irony. His promise to transfer power to Trump comes after Trump’s controversial refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election and his absence from Biden’s inauguration. Moreover, Biden’s call for “bringing down the temperature” stands in stark contrast to the highly charged rhetoric that characterized the election campaign.
His speech also highlighted contrasting perspectives on Biden’s accomplishments during his presidency. He outlined the strength of the economy, citing his signature infrastructure spending bill as a positive achievement, while acknowledging that it will take time for its full impact to be felt. However, exit polls indicated that many voters were concerned about the economy’s performance under Biden, citing high inflation and stagnant wages as reasons for their voting decisions.
Biden concluded his address by commending election workers for upholding the integrity of the voting system, a point of contention for Trump and many Republicans who have repeatedly alleged widespread fraud.
The President’s remarks follow Harris’ formal concession speech delivered on Wednesday, where she expressed her disappointment at the outcome of the election but emphasized that the fight for their cause continues.
