Biden, Harris appear together for 1st time since Trump win at Veterans Day event
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are set to make their first public appearance together since Election Day at a Veterans Day ceremony on Monday. The duo will participate in a Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 11 a.m. ET. Joining them will be First Lady Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. Following the wreath-laying ceremony, President Biden is scheduled to deliver remarks at the National Veterans Day Observance at the Memorial Amphitheater. Vice President Harris, the First Lady, and Second Gentleman will also be in attendance.
As Democrats regroup after President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive victory, some of Vice President Harris’ supporters are expressing frustration over President Biden’s decision to continue his re-election campaign until the summer, despite concerns about his age, inflation, and border security. Critics argue that Biden’s late decision to step down may have cost the party the White House.
Andrew Yang, who ran against Biden in 2020 and endorsed Harris’ unsuccessful run, placed blame on Biden for the election loss. He suggested that had Biden stepped down in January instead of July, the outcome might have been different. Thom Reilly, co-director of the Center for an Independent and Sustainable Democracy, expressed concerns that Biden’s legacy may be overshadowed by the possibility of another Trump administration in four years.
President Biden addressed the election results in a brief speech in the White House Rose Garden, acknowledging the difficult time for his supporters. He highlighted the accomplishments of his presidency and emphasized that it was a presidency for all Americans. Biden also revealed that he had congratulated Trump over the phone and is expected to meet with him to discuss the presidential transition.
After Vice President Harris delivered her concession speech, President Biden issued a statement praising her for running an “historic campaign” under “extraordinary circumstances.” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre attributed the election results to a wave of anti-incumbency following the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected governments worldwide. She defended Biden’s decision to stay in the race, stating that he believed it was the right choice.
In conclusion, the upcoming Veterans Day ceremony will mark a significant moment for President Biden and Vice President Harris as they come together publicly for the first time since the election. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and supporting our veterans, while also reflecting on the challenges and decisions faced by political leaders in the aftermath of a contentious election.
