Joe Biden has described the midterm results so far as “good days for democracy” and “good days for America.”
Speaking at the White House on Tuesday afternoon, the president said the results, while still unclear, represented “a clear and unmistakable message to preserve our democracy.”
“The American people have said and shown that democracy is who we are,” he said.
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But he added that “voters are also well aware that they’re still frustrated and I get it, it’s been a really tough couple of years for this country”.
Referring to Donald Trump’s claim that he “stole” the last election, he said the tellers and officials “did their job and fulfilled their duties…without any interference”.
He also said he would decide early next year whether to run for a second term.
According to NBC News, Republicans will control the House of Representatives with 221 seats and Democrats with 214.
While that would thwart the president’s legislative plans, the damage was much smaller than some had predicted.
However, the race for the Senate remains balanced, with four seats still to be declared, with the Republicans leading two of the seats declared so far.
Georgia is unlikely to make a decision before Dec. 6 because strict state law requires a runoff if no candidate reaches 50 percent.
‘Democrats have a strong night’
Mr Biden said Democrats “had a great night” despite losing their seats.
“We don’t know all the results yet, but here’s what we do know, the media predicted a huge red wave and it didn’t happen,” he said.
“You’re a little annoyed by my overly optimistic attitude, but I think we’ll do well.”
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He said that “America’s future is full of hope” and that it cannot be “engaged in endless political wars.”
While he won’t compromise on health care or abortion, he said: “I will do everything in my power to unite the country.
“I will continue to work across the aisle to support the American people. Regardless of the final outcome of these elections, I am ready to work with my Republican colleagues.
“And the American people have made it clear that they want the Republicans to work with me too.”
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He addressed the nation after Donald Trump described his candidate’s results as “a little disappointing.”
Nearly everyone Trump chose to support appeared to have fared worse than the Republicans he did not support.
The report said he was “angry” and “angry” at his wife Melania behind the scenes.
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago home, the former president called the result a “very big victory” for him personally.