[UNITED STATES] President Joe Biden has committed to a "smooth and peaceful transition" of power to Donald Trump, his Republican predecessor and now successor. "We respect the decision made by the nation," Biden, a Democrat, stated, emphasizing his belief that "you can love your country only when you win." He also praised Vice-President Kamala Harris as a "partner and public servant" who led an "inspiring" campaign after he stepped aside.
Speaking from the Rose Garden after the election on Tuesday, Biden addressed the situation as Democrats in Washington started pointing fingers for Harris's significant defeat to Trump. Many are attributing the loss to Biden, suggesting he should have withdrawn from the race earlier or perhaps not have sought a second term at all, given his age of 81.
The atmosphere in Washington was tense as the reality of Trump's victory sank in. Many Democrats expressed shock and disbelief, with some even questioning the integrity of the electoral process despite Biden's assurances. Republican leaders, on the other hand, were jubilant, seeing Trump's win as a vindication of their policies and a rejection of the Democratic agenda.
In a bid to offer reassurance, Biden balanced a conciliatory tone during his remarks after a challenging campaign. Harris had often warned that a Trump victory could endanger democracy, while Trump painted the U.S. as a "declining nation" and a "failed nation." Biden described American democracy as "the greatest experiment in self-government worldwide," asserting that "the will of the people always prevails." He acknowledged, "We lost this battle," but encouraged, "The America of your dreams is calling for you to get back." Expressing a willingness to work with Trump, Biden urged a reduction in national tensions. He also aimed to dispel doubts about the integrity of the U.S. electoral process, calling it honest, fair, and transparent, referencing Trump's previous unsubstantiated fraud claims.
Despite Biden's calls for unity, the political divide in the country seemed to widen in the immediate aftermath of the election. Protests erupted in several major cities, with demonstrators expressing concern over the potential rollback of progressive policies. Meanwhile, Trump supporters celebrated in the streets, chanting slogans and waving flags. The stark contrast in reactions highlighted the deep polarization that continues to characterize American politics.
Biden was the first sitting president since Lyndon Johnson in 1968 not to seek re-election. His approval ratings had been low for over three years, impacted by events like the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal in August 2021. Additionally, there were widespread concerns about his age, which polls reflected. Yet, Biden launched a re-election campaign in April 2023, promising to "finish the job." Typically, the ruling party avoids a rigorous primary when holding the presidency, and Biden faced little opposition for the 2024 Democratic nomination. Over 14 million Americans supported him in the primaries. However, during a June 2024 debate with Trump, Biden often lost focus, prompting him to exit the race and endorse Harris a month later, with the election looming just over three months away.
The international community watched the unfolding events with a mix of concern and curiosity. European allies, who had grown accustomed to Biden's approach to transatlantic relations, now faced the prospect of dealing with Trump's "America First" policies once again. Asian nations, particularly those involved in territorial disputes with China, anxiously awaited signals about the future of U.S. engagement in the region. The global stock markets experienced volatility as investors tried to anticipate the economic implications of Trump's return to power.
Democrats are grappling with how they managed to win in 2020 but lost four years later to the same contender. Biden isn't the sole figure blamed; some critique Harris as an ineffective candidate who struggled with media. Others argue her campaign leaned too heavily on celebrity endorsements and lacked substantial policy focus. Former Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and others suggest Harris made a mistake by choosing Governor Tim Kaine, an older progressive, over the younger, moderate Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, as her running mate.
The election outcome also raised questions about the future of key domestic issues. Healthcare reform, climate change initiatives, and immigration policies that had been central to the Biden-Harris administration now faced an uncertain future. Trump's campaign promises to dismantle much of Biden's legacy left many Americans wondering about the stability of recent policy changes and the potential for dramatic shifts in the country's direction.
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, who has run for president as a Democrat, criticized the party for forsaking working-class Americans. He released a statement accusing Democratic leadership of maintaining the status quo while the public demands change. Conversely, Ritchie Torres, a moderate congressman from New York, blamed the "far left" for alienating significant portions of Latinos and Blacks from the Democratic Party with controversial slogans like "Defund the Police" and "From the River to the Sea."
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