Harris calls Trump to congratulate him on win, both agreeing on importance of ‘unifying the country,’ Trump camp says

Republican Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States on Wednesday, November 6, an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the US Capitol, was convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts.

With a win in Wisconsin, Trump cleared the 270 electoral votes needed to clinch the presidency.

Vice President Kamala Harris called Trump on Wednesday to congratulate him on his election victory. On the call, the president-elect “acknowledged Vice President Harris on her strength, professionalism, and tenacity throughout the campaign, and both leaders agreed on the importance of unifying the country,” according to Trump spokesman Steven Cheung.

Biden also called to congratulate Trump, and according to US officials, invited him to the White House for a transition meeting.

The White House said staff would coordinate a date “in the near future.” Biden plans to address the nation on the election results, which will have sharp implications for his legacy on Thursday. Biden also spoke with Vice President Harris to congratulate her on her campaign.

David Plouffe, the longtime adviser to former President Barack Obama turned top Harris aide, wrote Wednesday that the Democratic operation “left it all on the field for their county” but eventually it was not enough against Trump.

“We dug out of a deep hole but not enough,” Plouffe wrote. “A devastating loss. Thanks for being in the arena, all of you.”

Later Wednesday, Obama congratulated Trump on his election victory, noting the importance of a peaceful transfer of power.

“This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for,” Obama said in a statement. “But living in a democracy is about recognizing that our point of view won’t always win out, and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power.”

Obama also voiced pride over the efforts of Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz, who were soundly beaten in the election.

Obama called them “two extraordinary public servants who ran a remarkable campaign.”