In his address at the White House, Biden promises a smooth transfer of power to Trump | US elections 2024

Joe Biden promised a smooth transfer of power to Donald Trump in an address to the nation on Thursday, as he implored Americans to “lower the temperature of partisan divisions” and maintain their faith in democratic systems following Kamala Harris' defeat in the presidential race.

“For over 200 years, America has conducted the greatest experiment in self-government in the history of the world,” Biden said on a sunny morning in the White House Rose Garden, as the weather didn’t match the mood among Democrats. “The will of the people always takes precedence.”

Biden noted he spoke with Trump on Wednesday to congratulate the president-elect on his victory and pledge his administration's full cooperation to “ensure a peaceful and orderly transition.”

“This is what the American people deserve,” Biden added.

Biden delivered his remarks to a crowd of senior administration officials and family members, including his granddaughter Finn, all of whom greeted him with extended applause as he approached his podium. In a speech that combined thoughtfulness with surprising optimism, Biden suggested that the end of one of the bitterest presidential campaigns in U.S. history should serve as an opportunity to build unity among the American people.

“Campaigns are competitions between competing visions. “The country chooses one or the other, and we accept the choice that the country has made,” Biden said. “Whatever you voted for, what we can hopefully do is see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans — and thus lower the temperature.”

After Harris' devastating defeat, which left many of her supporters worried about the direction of the nation, Biden took a moment to praise his vice president for an exemplary campaign. Harris had about 100 days to win the White House after Biden withdrew from the presidential race in July. Although she didn't make it, Harris offered an important example of true public service, Biden said.

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“She ran an inspiring campaign, and everyone got to see something that I learned to respect so much early on: her character,” Biden said. “She gave her heart and soul and she and her entire team should be proud of the campaign they ran.”

The president also praised the thousands of poll workers who ensured a safe and smooth election day, pointing to their work as an example of the country's “honest,” “fair” and “transparent” electoral system. Trump and his allies have repeatedly raised unfounded doubts about the integrity of the U.S. electoral system, although they were particularly cautious on the issue after Republicans' strong performance on Tuesday.

Biden did not shy away from addressing Democrats' disappointment and sadness over the election results, which gave Republicans control of the White House and Senate. The House remained too close to call Thursday afternoon, but Republicans expressed confidence they would retain their narrow majority in the House.

Biden praised his administration for a “historic presidency” that included the passage of several landmark bills on infrastructure, the climate crisis and healthcare. These laws will continue to benefit the American people for years and even decades to come, Biden said Thursday.

“I know it's a difficult time. It hurts you. I hear you and I see you,” Biden told his colleagues. “But don’t forget it. Don’t forget everything we’ve accomplished.”

Turning his attention to the final weeks of his presidency, Biden pledged to continue doing the work of the American people over the next 74 days.

“Setbacks are inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable,” Biden said. “We all get knocked down, but the measure of our character, as my father would say, is how quickly we get back up.”

Biden, who has repeatedly stressed that America's best days lie ahead, leaned on his trademark optimism to deliver a pep talk to the nation. The story is long, Biden reminded his country, and Trump's victory is just one chapter in a much larger story.

“A defeat does not mean we are defeated. We lost this fight. The America of your dreams calls you to rise again. This has been the story of America for over 240 years and counting,” Biden said.

“The American experiment continues. We'll be fine, but we have to stay committed. We have to move on. And above all: we must keep the faith.”

Read more of the Guardian's coverage of the 2024 US election