Barack Obama urges unity and respect for the democratic process after the US presidential election results. File Picture: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
United States former President Barack Obama responded to the results of the 2024 US presidential election with a message of respect for the democratic process and a call for unity.
After President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, defeated Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Obama acknowledged the disappointment many Democrats feel, while also reminding Americans of the importance of respecting the election outcome.
“This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues,” Obama said.
“But living in a democracy is about recognising that our point of view won’t always win out, and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power.”
The former president praised Harris and Walz, calling them “extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign”.
He thanked the campaign’s staff and volunteers for their hard work, saying they gave their “heart and soul” to the cause, showing their commitment to the ideals they believe in.
This election came at a challenging time for Americans. Many families are still feeling the impact of the pandemic, facing rising costs, and dealing with rapid changes that have left people feeling anxious about the future.
Obama reflected on these struggles, saying, “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.”
Despite these difficulties, Obama expressed hope that the nation can overcome them by staying committed to its core values.
“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,” he said.
Obama closed with a reminder that unity doesn’t mean everyone has to agree, but it does require respect and understanding.
“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.”
Obama’s statement struck a hopeful tone in a time of division, encouraging Americans to come together to solve their common problems and continue building a country that is, in his words, “more fair and more just, more equal and more free”.
His words reflect a belief that democracy is strongest when citizens respect each other, even when they don’t share the same views.
IOL