Joe Biden broke his silence on the presidential election after Kamala Harris publicly conceded her defeat to Donald Trump and praised her “historic campaign.”

The sitting president, who has done that blame drawn before Harris’ shockingly decisive loss to Trump, released a statement praising his vice president’s efforts.

“What America saw today was the Kamala Harris that I know and deeply admire,” Biden said wrote. “She has been a tremendous partner and public servant, full of integrity, courage and character.”

Biden obliquely addressed the “extraordinary circumstances” under which Harris entered the race — that is, when Biden’s disastrous debate performance against Trump forced him to drop out.

Many of Biden’s critics have done so said that the president’s delayed decision to leave the race, and the fact that the Democratic nominee was not selected through a primary, hurt Harris.

“Under extraordinary circumstances,” Biden wrote, “she led a historic campaign that epitomized what is possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is freer, more just and full of greater possibilities for freedom.” all Americans.”

He said his decision to choose Harris as his running mate was the “best decision” he made as the Democratic candidate for president in 2020, and he predicted her political future will continue.

“She will continue the fight with purpose, determination and joy,” he wrote. “She will continue to be a champion for all Americans. Above all, she will continue to be a leader our children will look up to for generations to come as she makes her mark on America’s future.”

Critics have also said Biden’s poor approval rating and penchant for gaffes, given his closeness to Harris, limited her chances of winning. Harris’ team did reportedly wanted to distance his campaign from Biden in the days leading up to the election, even as he tried to campaign on her behalf.

“We ran the best campaign we could since Joe Biden was president,” said an unnamed Harris aide told Politics. “Joe Biden is the only reason Kamala Harris and the Democrats lost tonight.”

Former President Barack Obama also released a statement on the election, congratulating the Republican ticket on its victory.

“Over the past few weeks and throughout Election Day, millions of Americans have cast their votes – not just for the president, but for leaders at every level. Now the results are in and we want to congratulate President Trump and Senator Vance on their victory,” the statement said. “This is clearly not the outcome we had hoped for… But living in a democracy is about recognizing that our position will not always win, and about being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power.”

He added that he and Michelle Obama “couldn’t be more proud” of Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Biden and Obama waited to speak out until Harris had done so delivered a speech the admission of defeat, which took place earlier today.

“While I concede this election, I am not conceding the fight this campaign has fueled,” she said. “The fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and the dignity of all people. A fight for the ideals at the heart of our nation, the ideals that reflect America at our best.”