Our point of view won’t always win, says Obama on Trump’s victory

Former US President Barack Obama has congratulated Donald Trump on his victory. 

Trump won the race for the White House on Wednesday after exceeding the requisite electoral college votes.

The ex-president picked up a raft of battleground states to leave his opponent trailing and won the popular votes.

Obama and Michelle, his wife, had endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid. The couple also went all out for Harris on the campaign trail.

In a statement on Thursday, Obama said although the election result was not the outcome he hoped for, democracy is about being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power.

He also praised Harris for a remarkable campaign, adding that he is proud of her.

“Over the last few weeks and through Election Day, millions of Americans cast their votes — not just for president, but for leaders at every level. Now the results are in, and we want to congratulate President Trump and Senator Vance on their victory,” the statement reads.

“Michelle and I could not be prouder of Vice President Harris and Governor Walz — two extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign.

“And we will always be grateful to the staff and volunteers who poured their heart and soul into electing public servants they truly believed in.

“As I said on the campaign trail, America has been through a lot over the last few years — from a historic pandemic and price hikes resulting from the pandemic, to rapid change and the feeling a lot of folks have that, no matter how hard they work, treading water is the best they can do.

“Those conditions have created headwinds for democratic incumbents around the world, and last night showed that America is not immune.

“The good news is that these problems are solvable — but only if we listen to each other, and only if we abide by the core constitutional principles and democratic norms that made this country great.

“In a country as big and diverse as ours, we won’t always see eye-to-eye on everything. But progress requires us to extend good faith and grace — even to people with whom we deeply disagree.

“That’s how we’ve come this far, and it’s how we’ll keep building a country that is more fair and more just, more equal and more free.”

Harris put a phone call across to Trump to concede defeat on Wednesday. Addressing supporters afterwards, the vice-president promised that the fight will go on.

“I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time. But for the benefit of us all, I hope that is not the case,” Harris said.

“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fuelled this campaign.”