Joe Biden broke his silence on the presidential election after Kamala Harris publicly conceded her defeat to Donald Trump, commending her “historic campaign.”
The sitting president, who has drawn blame for Harris’ shockingly decisive loss to Trump, released a statement to praise his vice president’s efforts.
“What America saw today was the Kamala Harris I know and deeply admire,” Biden wrote. “She’s been a tremendous partner and public servant full of integrity, courage, and character.”
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Biden obliquely touched on the “extraordinary circumstances” under which Harris entered the race—that is, when Biden’s disastrous debate performance against Trump forced him to drop out.
Many critics of Biden have said that the president’s delayed decision to exit the race, and the fact that the Democratic nominee wasn’t selected by a primary, hurt Harris.
“Under extraordinary circumstances,” Biden wrote, “she stepped up and led a historic campaign that embodied what’s possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is more free, more just, and full of more opportunities for all Americans.”
He said that his decision to pick Harris as his running mate was the “best decision” he made as the Democratic nominee for president in 2020, and he predicted that her political future will continue.
“She will continue the fight with purpose, determination, and joy,” he wrote. “She will continue to be a champion for all Americans. Above all, she will continue to be a leader our children will look up to for generations to come as she puts her stamp on America’s future.”
Critics have also said that Biden’s poor approval rating and penchant for gaffes, given his proximity to Harris, limited her chances to win. Harris’ team had reportedly sought to distance its campaign from Biden in the days leading up to the election, even as he tried to campaign on her behalf.
“We ran the best campaign we could, considering Joe Biden was president,” an anonymous Harris aide told Politico. “Joe Biden is the singular reason Kamala Harris and Democrats lost tonight.”
Former President Barack Obama also released a statement on the election, congratulating the Republican ticket on its victory.
“Over the last few weeks and through Election Day, millions of Americans cast their votes—not just for president, but for leaders at every level. Now the results are in, and we want to congratulate President Trump and Senator Vance on their victory,” the statement read. “This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for... But living in a democracy is about recognizing that our point of view won’t always win out, and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power.”
He added that he and Michelle Obama “could not be prouder” of Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Biden and Obama waited to speak out until Harris had given a speech admitting defeat, which happened earlier today.
“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” she said. “The fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness, and the dignity of all people. A fight for the ideals at the heart of our nation, the ideals that reflect America at our best.”
