Harris “will continue the fight”

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Just hours after Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the presidential election, President Joe Biden commented on the results of the 2024 presidential election for the first time.

In an Instagram post, President Biden noted, “What America saw today was the Kamala Harris I know and deeply admire.”

Biden pointed to Harris' concession speech in which she called for a peaceful transfer of power and urged Americans to accept the election results.

“A fundamental principle of democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results,” she said. “This principle, like any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny, and anyone who seeks the public’s trust must respect it.”

Biden noted that Harris has been a “great partner and public servant” and noted that her campaign began under extraordinary circumstances.

She stepped up to the plate and led a historic campaign that embodied what is possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is freer, fairer and full of more opportunity for all Americans.”

The president noted that choosing Harris as his running mate was the first decision he made when he became a presidential candidate in 2020.

“Her story represents America's best story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she will continue to write that story.”

The White House also said Wednesday that Biden spoke with President-elect Donald Trump after his victory and was committed to ensuring a smooth transition and bringing the country together. Biden also called Harris to congratulate her on the election campaign.

Later Wednesday, Biden's chief of staff contacted Trump's team “to sign the necessary federal agreements necessary to begin an orderly presidential transition,” a White House official told The Associated Press.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.