Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama congratulated Donald Trump on Wednesday while acknowledging the Democratic defeat in the 2024 presidential elections.
"This is obviously not the outcome we were hoping for, given our strong disagreement with the Republican proposal on a range of issues," the Obamas stated, who strongly supported Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign, in a statement published on their X account.
"But living in a democracy means recognizing that our vision will not always prevail, and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power," they pointed out.
They also stated that Kamala Harris and Governor Walz are two extraordinary public servants, and they congratulated the democratic campaign team and its thousands of volunteers across the country.
Kamala Harris also acknowledged her defeat in front of a crowd of supporters at Howard University in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, stating that she would focus all her efforts on ensuring a smooth transition.
"In a country as large and diverse as ours, we will not always agree on everything. However, progress demands that we act in good faith and with grace, even with those with whom we have deep disagreements. This is how we have come this far, and this is how we will continue to build a fairer, more equal, and free nation."
Several world leaders have congratulated Trump on his overwhelming victory on Tuesday.
Within the United States, Democratic governors have also reacted to the election results.
The governor of Illinois, JB Pritzker, a strong critic of Trump and a defender of reproductive rights, expressed his solidarity with vulnerable communities.
"This morning, our most vulnerable communities awoke with new uncertainty about their future, fearing that their rights are no longer protected and questioning whether this country stands by them," Pritzker wrote on social media.
"To all the women whose access to health is most threatened, to our Black, Latino, and Asian communities, to our LGBTQ friends and their families, to immigrants and first-generation Americans, to all those who feel unsafe and unwelcome due to the campaign of Trump and his allies: know that Illinois is your ally. You will always be welcome here," he emphasized.
The mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, also expressed his support for Harris and his commitment to keeping Chicago an open and welcoming city for everyone.
"We will not bend or break when it comes to protecting our city," Johnson stated in a statement.
He clarified that in that state, “we will work tirelessly to ensure that Chicago remains Chicago. That our city is a place where we live our values and refuse to yield to the dark forces that seek to undo the progress of our country.”
Chicago, a Democratic stronghold, overwhelmingly voted in favor of Kamala Harris on election night, but it was not enough to secure a Democratic victory.
What do you think?
COMMENTFiled under: