Former US President Barack Obama has broken his silence on Donald Trump’s electoral victory, saying it’s not the outcome he had hoped for.
However, he emphasized the importance of accepting the peaceful transfer of power, stating, “This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for. But living in a democracy is about recognizing that our point of view won’t always win out and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power.”
Obama’s comments come in stark contrast to Trump’s refusal to concede defeat to Joe Biden four years ago, which culminated in the violent attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. This refusal to concede was unprecedented in US presidential election history, where conceding defeat has been a norm since 1896.
In his statement, Obama also praised Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz, who lost the election, calling them “two extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign.”
It’s worth noting that conceding defeat has been a long-standing tradition in US presidential elections. Historically, losing candidates have conceded to their opponents, even in closely contested elections. This tradition has helped maintain the stability of the US democratic system, even in times of division.
In recent years, Trump’s refusal to concede has raised concerns about the potential consequences of not accepting election results. However, Obama’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the democratic process and accepting the peaceful transfer of power.
