Barack and Michelle Obama have released a lengthy joint statement as they break their silence on Donald Trump‘s huge victory over their Democratic hopeful Kamala Harris.
The former President and First Lady have finally spoken out after the Republican whitewashed the former Vice President, who had just given her concession speech this evening.
They manage to bring themselves to congratulate Trump but admit straight off the bat that « this is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for. » And they highlight how they have « profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues. »
The couple said: « 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.
« This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues. 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.
« Michelle and I could not be prouder of Vice President Harris and Governor Walz — two extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign. And we will always be grateful to the staff and volunteers who poured their heart and soul into electing public servants they truly believed in. »
The Obamas gradually become more and more involved in the 2024 race and were leading figures on the Harris campaign trail in the final weeks.
But even their two-time Presidential coattails and the huge celebrity power they brought with them, could not stop Trump from smashing Harris in the final vote.
The couple added: « As I said on the campaign trail, America has been through a lot over the last few years — from a historic pandemic and price hikes resulting from the pandemic, to rapid change and the feeling a lot of folks have that, no matter how hard they work, treading water is the best they can do. Those conditions have created headwinds for democratic incumbents around the world, and last night showed that America is not immune.
« The good news is that these problems are solvable — but only if we listen to each other, and only if we abide by the core constitutional principles and democratic norms that made this country great.
« In a country as big and diverse as ours, we won’t always see eye-to-eye on everything. But progress requires us to extend good faith and grace — even to people with whom we deeply disagree. That’s how we’ve come this far, and it’s how we’ll keep building a country that is more fair and more just, more equal and more free. »
Faced with a sweeping rejection by American voters, Kamala Harris tonight conceded the presidential election to Donald Trump, in a speech from her alma mater, Howard University, and encouraged supporters to continue fighting for their vision of the country.
The Democratic vice president said the battle would continue « in the voting booth, in the courts and in the public square. »
« Sometimes the fight takes a while, » she said, at the University where she had hoped to make a victory speech after the election. « That doesn’t mean we won’t win. »
Harris’ decisive defeat shattered hopes that she could rescue Democrats’ chances after President Joe Biden‘s reelection effort stalled and she replaced him at the top of the ticket.
She trailed in every battleground state to Trump, a Republican whom she described as an existential danger to the country’s foundational institutions. And Trump appeared on track to win the popular vote for the first time in his three campaigns for the White House – even after two impeachments, felony convictions and his attempt to overturn his previous election loss.
Despite her stark warnings about Trump, Harris reached for optimism.
« It is OK to feel sad and disappointed, but please know it’s going to be OK, » she told supporters as some of them wiped tears from their eyes.
Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, was seen crying as he listened from the audience with his family. Representatives Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker, and Barbara Lee, both from Harris’ home state of California, were also seen in the crowd.
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