Outgoing US President Joe Biden addressed the nation a day after former President Donald Trump was declared the winner of the presidential election.

Joe Biden speaking from the Rose Garden of the White House said that he has spoken with both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. He even praised his vice president for her campaign. He said that he accepts the choice made by the country. “You can’t love your country only when you win,” he said and urged his party and supporters not to lose hope, saying: “setbacks are inevitable, but resignation is unforgivable.” The president spoke of a peaceful transfer of power while emphasizing that he has 74 days left in his term and that he intends to make “every day count”. He also emphasized that the US election system is fair and secure when referring to the results.

The outgoing US president then left, blowing a kiss to the crowd, saying “God bless you and all of America.”

In more detail:

Joe Biden emphasized that for some people it is a time of victory, for others it is a time of loss.

“You can’t love your country only when you win”

“A country chooses one or the other. We accept the choice made by the country”, he said characteristically and added:

“You can’t love your country only when you win. You cannot love your neighbor only when you agree.”

The outgoing US president said he spoke to President-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him on his victory and help him with a smooth transition of power.

“There will be a peaceful transfer of power”

He stressed that there would be a peaceful transfer of power on January 20, adding: “I will do my duty as president.”

Biden said he has also spoken with Kamala Harris and praised her campaign, saying she should be proud of her work.

Biden emphasized that “it was a historic presidency”. “We are leaving behind the strongest economy in the world,” he said indicatively and added that there are now 74 days left to finish the term.

“Resignation is unforgivable”

He emphasized that “setbacks are inevitable, but resignation is unforgivable”.

In closing, the outgoing US president said: “we will be fine” and “we have to keep the faith”, adding that he is proud to have worked with his cabinet and team.

“God bless you all and America,” he noted as he blew a kiss to the crowd, his granddaughter in the front row.

In a statement Wednesday, he praised Kamala Harris, saying his decision to choose her as his vice president was the best he had ever made.