"Setbacks Are Unavoidable," Says Joe Biden After Trump's Election Win

US President Joe Biden addressed the nation on Thursday, and it is Biden's first public remarks since Vice President Kamala Harris lost the presidential election. Joe Biden said that the election had proven the integrity of the US electoral system and pledged an orderly transfer of power. 

"Setbacks are unavoidable. Giving up is unforgivable. A defeat does not mean we are defeated," said Joe Biden during a brief seven-minute address in the White House’s Rose Garden. "We accept the choice the country made. I've said many times, you can't love your country only when you win," Biden added. The US President said that he had also promised a smooth transition in a phone call with Donald Trump on Wednesday, during which he invited the Republican leader to a meeting at the White House.

Joe Biden also hailed Kamala Harris' campaign during his brief remarks. "She has great character, true character. She gave her whole heart and effort, and she and her entire team should be proud of the campaign they ran," said Biden. Despite the loss, Biden spoke with Kamala Harris over the phone on Wednesday to congratulate her on her campaign. 

Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump announced that his campaign manager, Susie Wiles, will be his White House chief of staff. The chief of staff is the person who manages White House staff, organizes the US president's time and schedule, and maintains contact with other government departments and lawmakers. 67-year-old Susie Wiles will be the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff.