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Topline
Former President George W. Bush congratulated President-elect Joe Biden on his victory, stating Sunday that “this election was fundamentally fair” and “its outcome is clear,” becoming one of the most prominent members of the Republican Party to reject the President Trump’s latest decision. Get rid of efforts to deny your loss through unsubstantiated claims about voter fraud.
WASHINGTON – JANUARY 20: Former US President George W. Bush salutes as he walks to a wait … [+]
Key facts
In the statement, Bush said he spoke with Biden and “extended my warm congratulations and thanked him for the patriotic message he delivered last night.”
The 43rd president acknowledged the “political differences” between them, but called Biden a “good man” who has “earned his chance to lead and unify our country.”
Bush congratulated Trump on a “very close campaign” and called the president’s tally of more than 70 million votes an “extraordinary political achievement.”
The former president rejected unsubstantiated claims about the integrity of the election, but acknowledged that Trump had the “right” to “request recount and file legal challenges”: “The American people can trust that this election was fundamentally fair, its integrity will be maintained. , and its result is clear, “he said.
What to watch
If other members of the Republican Party follow Bush’s example. After Trump’s defeat, there are doubts about the direction of the Republican Party going forward. Bush, in some corners, is considered a relic of the Republican Party that was sidelined by Trumpism.
Key Background
Bush is one of a small group of prominent Republicans who have acknowledged Biden’s victory after all the major networks called the race on Saturday. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), who lost to former President Barack Obama and Biden in 2012, called Biden and Harris “people of good will and admirable character” in a tweet acknowledging Biden’s victory. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Ark.) And Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan are other notable Republicans who have congratulated Biden.
Crucial appointment
Biden has a reputation for trying to cross the aisle and sought to extend an olive branch to Trump voters during his victory speech on Saturday. Speaking directly to supporters of the outgoing president, Biden said: “I understand your disappointment tonight. I’ve lost a couple of elections myself. Let’s give ourselves a chance. ”
Main critic
“This is a contested election,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (RS.C.) said on Fox News on Sunday. “President Trump shouldn’t budge.”
Other readings
These are the Republicans who have recognized Biden’s victory (Forbes)
