WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): US President Joe Biden on Thursday, November 7, vowed to ensure a peaceful and orderly transfer of power to President-elect Donald Trump in January and appealed to the people to accept the election results for the White House. Biden made the comments during an address to the nation, a day after Trump, 78, won the presidential elections. In his remarks, which lasted about six minutes, Biden affirmed his commitment to a peaceful transition of power, lauded the election as one that was free and fair, and praised poll workers for overseeing the voting process. Addressing his cabinet, as well as Harris’ supporters following her defeat, Biden insisted: “setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable.”

“I assured President-elect Trump of a peaceful and orderly transition of power,” Biden said.

“You can’t love your neighbor only when you agree. Something I think you can do no matter who you voted for is see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans,” he said.

Biden’s remarks are seen as an attempt to heal a country that appeared divided into two groups after the results were out for the bitterly contested presidential election.

In the statement, Biden said selecting Harris as his running mate in 2020 “was the very best decision I made” and said “her story represents the best of America’s story.”

“Under extraordinary circumstances, she stepped up and led a historic campaign that embodied what’s possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is more free, more just, and full of more opportunities for all Americans,” Biden said. “She will continue the fight with purpose, determination, and joy.”