Biden addresses nation after Trump's decisive victory, says American electoral system is fair 'win or lose'

United States President Joe Biden in his first public address from the White House after RepublicanDonaldTrump's presidentialelection win on Thursday (Nov 7) said that he has instructed the officials in his administrationto ensure there are no hiccups in the transfer of power.

“Yesterday, I spoke with President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his victory, and I assured him that I direct my entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition. That’s what the American people deserve,” Biden said.

"You cannot love your country only when you win," he added.

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“Something to hope we can do, no matter who you voted for, is see each other not as adversaries, but as fellow Americans. Bring down the temperature.

“I also hope we can lay to rest the question about the integrity of the American electoral system. It is honest, it is fair, and it is transparent, and it can be trusted, win or lose,” said the US president.

Biden also expressed gratitude to all the election workers and said, “I also hope we can restore the respect for all our election workers who busted their necks and took risks.”

“At the outset, we should thank them. Thank them for staffing voting sites, counting the votes, protecting the very integrity of the election. Many of them are volunteers who do it simply out of love for their country. And, as they did, as they did their duty as citizens, I will do my duty as president. I will fulfill my oath, and I will honor the constitution. On January 20, we’ll have a peaceful transfer of power here in America,” he added.

“I know it’s a difficult time. You’re hurting. I hear you and I see you, but don’t forget, don’t forget all that we accomplished. It’s been a historic presidency, not because I’m president, because what we’ve done, what you’ve done,” Biden said addressing fellow Democrats who are down after the defeat.

"Much of the work we’ve done is already being felt by the American people, but the vast majority of it will not be felt … over the next 10 years … We have legislation we passed that’s just only now, just really kicking in. We’re going to see over a trillion dollars worth of infrastructure work done, changing people’s lives in rural communities and communities that are in real difficulty," he added.

Concluding his address, Biden said, “Together, we’ve changed America for the better. Now, we have 74 days to finish the term, our term. Let’s make every day count. That’s the responsibility we have to the American people”.

He wrapped up his speech by relaying a message of hope and urged people to never give up: “Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable. We all get knocked down, but the measure of our character, as my dad would say, is how quickly we get back up. Remember, a defeat does not mean we are defeated. We lost this battle. The America of your dreams is calling for you to get back up. That’s the story of America for over 240 years and counting. It’s a story for all of us, not just some of us. The American experiment endures. We’re going to be okay, but we need to stay engaged.”

(With inputs from agencies)