Thu Nov 07 11:19:57 UTC 2024: ## Obamas Congratulate Trump, Vance While Emphasizing Unity and Resilience
Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama released a statement Wednesday, congratulating Donald Trump and J.D. Vance on their victory while simultaneously urging Americans to maintain unity and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
The Obamas acknowledged the nation’s deep divisions, stating, “In a country as big and diverse as ours, we won’t always see eye-to-eye on everything.” However, they stressed that progress requires “good faith and grace” even towards those with whom we disagree. “That’s how we’ve come this far,” they wrote, “and it’s how we’ll keep building a country that is more fair and more just, more equal and more free.”
The statement also praised Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, for their “remarkable campaign” and expressed gratitude to the staff and volunteers who dedicated themselves to the cause.
Recognizing the difficult circumstances of the past few years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and economic hardships, the Obamas acknowledged the challenges facing democratic incumbents globally. “These problems are solvable,” they asserted, “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.”
Their message echoed Vice President Harris’ speech earlier Wednesday at Howard University, where she conceded the election while emphasizing the importance of continuing the fight for “freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and the dignity of all people.”
First Piper 