‘We’re gonna be okay’: Biden addresses US, staff after Kamala’s election loss

Biden's official duties are winding down over the next few months, and as there were no policies for him to promise to enact, he leaned into what he does best, a discussion of the ideas of democracy and the ever-elusive and changing American Dream.

"For over 200 years," he began, "America has carried on the greatest experiment in self-government in the history of the world. That's not hyperbole, that's a fact. We're the people. The people vote and choose their own leaders, and they do it peacefully, and we're in a democracy. The will of the people always prevails."

He went on to say that he has spoken with President-elect Trump, a call during which he congratulated the leader on his victory. Biden, like Harris, took a dig at Trump in promising to "ensure a peaceful and orderly transition," which they believe is in contrast to the way that Trump left office, just a few weeks after the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, an allegation they have used against Trump during both their term in office and during the campaign season. He spoke with pride of his vice president's campaign, saying that it was "inspiring."

"You know, the struggle for the soul of America, since our very founding, has always been an ongoing debate and still vital today. I know for some people, it's a time for victory— to state the obvious. For others, it's a time of loss. Campaigns are contests of competing visions. The country chooses one or the other. We accept the choice the country made.

"I've said many times you can't love your country only when you win. You can't love your neighbor only when you agree. Something I 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," he said.

"I also hope we can restore the respect for all our election workers who busted their necks and took risks to 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'll fulfill my oath, and I will honor the Constitution on January 20, we'll have a peaceful transfer of power here in America," he said, before thanking staff and advisers for his "historic presidency."

Biden spoke on America's legacy and the promise of elections in his short speech. He also said that much of what he accomplished won't even be realized for another 10 years. He noted that he and Harris have "74 days to finish the term," and promised to make them count. "Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable. We all get knocked down, but as my dad would say the measure of our character 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," he said in conclusion, "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. We need to keep going, and above all, we need to keep the faith. So proud to have worked with all of you. I really mean it."