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(by Michelle Stoddart, ABC News) – President Joe Biden spoke to former President Donald Trump on the phone Wednesday to congratulate him on winning the presidency, the White House said in a statement.
“President Biden expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and emphasized the importance of working to bring the country together,” the White House said.
Biden invited Trump to meet with him at the White House, the statement said.
Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump points to supporters with former first lady Melania Trump during an election night event, Nov.6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said the meeting “will take place shortly.”
“President Joe Biden called President Donald J. Trump to congratulate him on his victory and extended an invitation to the White House to ensure a smooth transition between the current Administration and the incoming Administration. President Trump looks forward to the meeting, which will take place shortly, and very much appreciated the call,” Cheung said in a statement.
Biden also spoke to Vice President Kamala Harris on the phone Wednesday to congratulate her on “her historic campaign,” the White House said.
Later, following Harris’ concession speech to the nation on Wednesday afternoon, Biden released a statement praising Harris, saying she has been a “tremendous partner and public servant full of integrity, courage and character.”
“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.
Biden said choosing Harris as his running mate was “the best decision” he made.
“Her story represents the best of America’s story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she’ll continue writing that story,” Biden said.
“She will continue the fight with purpose, determination and joy. She will continue to be a champion for all Americans. Above all, she will continue to be a leader our children will look up to for generations to come as she puts her stamp on America’s future,” Biden added.
Trump and Harris also spoke by phone on Wednesday, according to the Trump campaign. …
[President Biden will address the nation Thursday at 11 a.m. EST.] He plans to talk about the election results and the transition, according to the White House. The remarks to the nation will be Biden’s first appearance on camera in the aftermath of Donald Trump’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris.Harris’ defeat came as Trump clinched wins in the swing states of Pennsylvania, Georgia and Wisconsin overnight [having won North Carolina early]. Trump went on to win the remaining swing states of Michigan, Nevada and Arizona on Wednesday.
Published at ABC News on Nov. 6, 2024. Reprinted here for educational purposes only. May not be reproduced on other websites without permission. ABC News’ Katherine Faulders contributed to this report.
Questions
1. For what reasons did President Biden call President Trump following Trump’s historic and decisive victory over Kamala Harris this week?
2. What did President Biden tell Trump?
3. a) How did Trump react to Biden’s call?
b) When will the two men meet?
4. President Biden did not call Kamala Harris until today. (The Vice President hadn’t addressed her supporters gathered for the after party at Howard University last night, but instead had them come together again this afternoon for her concession speech.) How did Biden describe VP Harris following her speech?
CHALLENGE QUESTIONS:
A) Which other U.S. president served two non-consecutive terms?
B) Follow the news for reports on the Biden-Trump meeting. How would you describe the meeting of the two – at least what you learned from what was reported in the news?
Background
What do you know about the presidential transition?
“The constitutional transfer of power and authority from an incumbent American President to a successor is a momentous occasion in American government. In the present day, this transfer of authority is a complex and multifaceted undertaking, as the outgoing Administration concludes its affairs and the incoming Administration prepares to govern.” (Read more “A Brief Summary of the Presidential Transition Act” at crsreports.congress.gov.)
After the vote: A timeline of how the new president takes over:
The two-plus-months of procedural steps are laid out by the U.S. Constitution and federal law.
Below are the key dates in the process, and what happens each step of the way.
The first step is Election Day. Voters in all 50 states technically are not voting for a president, but for a slate of electors (from the Electoral College) who are pledged to support one of the presidential candidates in a later vote.
Late November/Early December: Each state has its own deadline to certify the election. However, if ballot disputes, litigation or other factors delay the count, blowing this deadline doesn’t invoke a penalty in the presidential race. The big deadlines are still to come.
Dec. 8: This is known as the safe harbor deadline. That means that Congress cannnot challenge any electors named by this date in accordance with state law. Most states want their electors named by this deadline, to ensure Congress cannot disregard them.
Dec. 14: This is the date when electors are required to meet in their states and cast their ballots for president. … Also, by this date the governor of each state must certify the state’s presidential election and slate of electors.
Dec. 23: The states are supposed to transmit their votes to Congress by this date.
Jan. 3: The new Congress is sworn in.
Jan. 6: Congress counts the electoral votes. Typically, this process formally certifies a winner.
Jan. 20: By noon on this day, the Constitution says a new presidential term begins. If Congress has not yet certified a winner of the presidential election, federal law designates an acting president based on which elected officials are in office. If there is no president or vice president whose election has been certified by Congress, for example, the Speaker of the House becomes president. If there isn’t a speaker in office, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate becomes president. (excerpted from an Associated Press report from 2020)
Daily “Answers” emails are provided for Daily News Articles, Tuesday’s World Events and Friday’s News Quiz.
