WASHINGTON (TNND) — Just hours after Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the presidential race, President Joe Biden is speaking for the first time about the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.

IN A Instagram postPresident Biden remarked “What America saw today was the Kamala Harris I know and deeply admire.”

Biden, referred to Harris’ concession speech where he called for a peaceful transfer of power and urged Americans to accept the election results.

“A fundamental tenet of democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results,” she said. “This principle, like any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny, and whoever seeks public confidence must honor it. .”

Biden noted that Harris was a “tremendous partner and public servant,” while noting that her campaign began under extraordinary circumstances.

She stepped up and led a historic campaign that embodied what is possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is freer, fairer, and full of more opportunity for all Americans.” .

The president noted that choosing Harris as vice president was the first decision he made when he became the 2020 presidential candidate.

“Her story represents the best of the American story. And as he made clear today, I have no doubt that he will continue to write that story.”

The White House also said Wednesday that Biden spoke with President-elect Donald Trump following his victory and shared a commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and wanting to unite the country. Biden also called Harris to congratulate her on the campaign.

Later Wednesday, Biden’s chief of staff contacted Trump’s team “to sign the necessary federal agreements to begin an orderly presidential transition,” a White House official told The Associated Press.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.