The only surviving former Republican President Bush’s move was a break from his party’s outgoing President Trump, who has so far refused to accept the race.
In a statement, Bush said he called Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on Sunday.
“Although we have political differences, I know Biden as a good man who has won the opportunity to lead and unite our country,” Bush said. “The president-elect reiterated that when he ran as a Democrat, he would rule for all Americans. I offered him everything I offered President Trump and Obama: my prayers for their success, and the way I did it.” I promise to help in any way I can. “
Bush also congratulated Trump in a hard-fought statement acknowledging his “extraordinary political achievement” of winning the votes of more than 700 million Americans, the second-highest in history behind Biden. “They have spoken, and their voices will be heard by elected Republicans at every level of government,” Bush said.
In 2000, Bush was elected to a much shorter term than Biden, with the race against then-Democratic Vice President Al Gore in Florida and the Supreme Court ruling in December. He said Trump “has the right to request rickets and to pursue legal challenges,” but said Biden’s victory was clear.
“The American people can trust that this election was fundamentally fair, that its sincerity will be upheld, and that the outcome is clear,” Bush said.
Bush has largely stayed out of politics since leaving office in January 2009. He only appeared in the campaign trail in 2016 when he ran in the Republican presidential primary against his brother, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Trump and others.
CNN and other news outlets speculated on Saturday that Byden had won the presidential election. According to CNN estimates, Biden won Trump’s 214 to 279 votes, with Alaska, Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina still uncontrollable.
Biden delivered a triumphant speech in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday night, promising to heal the country’s partisan divisions and telling Trump supporters: Let’s give each other a chance.
As of Sunday afternoon, Trump has refused to admit to many of the unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud without providing any evidence and falsely insisting voters have won the election. His lawyers have filed lawsuits in several states, with no success.
“The challenges facing our country will demand the bidding of President-elect Biden and Vice-President-elect Harris – and the best of us all,” Bush said. “We must come together for our families and neighbors and for our nation and its future. There is no problem that will not achieve the collective will of the free people. Laura and I pray for our leaders and their families. We wish all the best. And we urge all Americans to join us in congratulating the next President and Vice President, as they prepare to perform their important duties. “
This story has been updated.
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