Barack Obama has finally spoken out about Donald Trump‘s sweeping success in the US Presidential Elections, expressing “this is obviously not the outcome we hoped for.”
In a joint statement with his wife and former First Lady Michelle Obama, shared on Twitter following Democrat and current Vice President Kamala Harris’s defeat against convicted felon Trump, the Obamas extended their congratulations.
Yet, they openly admitted that “this is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for”, pointing out their “profound disagreements” with Trump “on a whole host of issues”.
The couple, who supported Harris throughout the campaign, said: “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.
“This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues. 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.”
“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.”
Michelle and Barack eventually became heavily involved in the 2024 election, making their presence felt on the campaign trail in its closing stages. But despite their continued appeal to a broad segment of American voters and the celeb power they could lend to Harris’s bid for the presidency, the mood of this election was distinct, and Trump stormed to the win.
The Obamas’ statement added: “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.”
In a poignant speech delivered from her alma mater Howard University, Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged defeat in the presidential election to Donald Trump. She inspired her supporters to persistently strive for their version of America, asserting the fight goes on “in the voting booth, in the courts and in the public square.”
Harris, who filled the top spot after President Joe Biden’s campaign faltered, expressed that while victory may be delayed, it is yet achievable.
Her loss to Trump represents a shattering blow to Democratic hopes, as she lagged behind in all key battleground states against a man she deemed an existential threat to American democracy. As Trump edged closer to a popular vote win — a first in his three White House bids, and in the face of two impeachments and felony convictions — Harris maintained an optimistic tone: “It is OK to feel sad and disappointed, but please know it’s going to be OK,” comforting tearful backers with an uplifting message of resilience.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was Kamala Harris’ running mate, attended the event with his family. Also present were Representatives Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker, and Barbara Lee, both hailing from Harris’ home state of California.
Mr Walz was visibly moved to tears during the proceedings. Before delivering her speech, Harris made a call to Trump to congratulate him on his victory.
Addressing the audience, she assured them that “we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power,” subtly alluding to Trump’s reluctance to commit to the same four years prior. Following his defeat to Biden, Trump had incited his followers to march on the US Capitol, an act that escalated into a violent insurrection disrupting the formal validation of the electoral outcome.