Biden hails Democrats' 'strong night,' acknowledges concerns

good afternoon. Well we had an election yesterday and uh it was *** good day I think for democracy and I think it was *** good day for America. Excuse me have *** little horse. Our democracy has been tested in recent years, but with their votes uh american people have spoken and proving once again that democracy is who we are. The states across the country saw record voter turnout and the heart and soul of our democracy. The voters, the poll workers and election officials. Uh they did their job and they fulfilled their duty and apparently without much interference at all without any interference it looks like and that's *** testament I think to the american people while we don't know all the results yet at least, I don't know them all yet. Uh here's what we do now while the press and the pundits are predicting *** giant red wave, uh it didn't happen And I know you were somewhat miffed by my uh my obsessing optimism, but I felt good during the whole process. I thought we were gonna do fine while any seat lost is painful. Some good Democrats didn't win the last night, Democrats had *** strong night and we lost fewer seats in the House of Representatives than any Democratic presidents. First midterm election in the last 40 years. And we had the best midterm for governor since 1986. And another thing that we know is that voters uh spoke clearly about their concerns about raising costs and the rising cost that there and then the need to get inflation down. There's still *** lot of people hurting, they're very concerned and it's about crime and public safety. And they send *** clear and unmistakable message that they want to uh preserve our democracy and protect the right to choose uh, in this country. And I especially want to thank the young people of this nation who I'm told I haven't seen the numbers voted historic numbers again. And just as they did two years ago and they voted to continue addressing the climate crisis, gun violence, their personal rights and freedoms and the student debt relief last night I was pleased to call Maxwell frost 25 year old who got elected, I guess the youngest man ever elected the United States Congress. And I told him uh, that I told him that I was the first elected, the second youngest person ever elected United States Senator 29 that I have no doubt he is also an incredible start. And what I'm sure will be *** long, distinguished career when he's president, they say joe biden's out in the outer office. I don't want to say joe who um but the voters are also clear that they are still frustrated. I get it. I understand it's been *** really tough few years in this country for so many people when I came to office. We inherited *** nation with *** pandemic raging in an economy that was reeling and we acted quickly and boldly to vaccinate the country and to create *** stable and sustained growth in our economy, long term investment to rebuild America's itself and our roads, our bridges, our ports, our airports, clean water systems, high speed internet and we're just getting started. The interesting thing is that this is all gonna really come into clear view for people in the month, in the months of january, february march of next year is just getting underway. So I'm optimistic about how the public is going to even be more embracing of what we've done. Historic investments that are leading companies to invest literally hundreds of billions of dollars combined to build semiconductor factories, another advanced manufacturing here in America. That's going to create tens of thousands of good paying jobs. And by the way, *** significant number of those jobs are going to be jobs that pay on average 126 $127,000. You don't need *** college degree to get those jobs. And we're dealing with global inflation as *** result of the pandemic and Putin's war in Ukraine were also handling better than most other advanced nations in the world. We're lowering gas prices were looking, we're taking on powerful interests, lower prescription drug costs and health insurance premiums and energy bills. After 20 months of hard work. The pandemic no longer controls our lives, it's still *** concern no longer controls our lives, our economic policies created *** record 10 million new jobs since I came into office, Unemployment rate is down from 6.4 when I was sworn into 3.7% near *** 50-year low. And we've done all this while lowering the federal deficit in the two years by $1.7 trillion. Let me say it again, $1.7 trillion. No administration has ever cut the deficit that much and reducing the federal deficit is one of the best things we can do to lower inflation. But while we've made real progress as *** nation, I know it's hard for folks to see that project that progress in their everyday lives and it's hard to see the results from actions that we took while while we, we have to implement what we've done. But I believe we took the right steps for the country and for the american people. In fact, if you look at the polls overwhelming majority, I don't look that much anymore because I'm not quite sure how to read them anymore. Uh I hope you are uncertain as well. Um but the overwhelming majority of american people support the elements of my economic agenda from rebuilding America's roads and bridges to lowering prescription drug costs, historic investment, and tackling the climate crisis to making sure that large corporations began to pay their fair share in taxes. I'm confident these policies are working and that we're on the right path and we need to stick with them. All these initiatives take hold as they do from lead pipes being removed from schools and homes to new factories being built in communities with resurgence of American manufacturing that's already created by the way, 700,000 brand new manufacturing jobs. You've heard me say the nauseum, I don't know where it's written that says we can't be the manufacturing capital of the world. We are now exporting products, not jobs around the world. People across the country are gonna see even more clearly the positive effects on their day to day lives, but I still understand why they're hurting right now. So many people are concerned as I have throughout my career, I'm going to continue to work across the aisle To deliver for the American people. And it's not always easy, but we did it the first term. I'll be surprised *** lot of people that we signed over 210 bipartisan laws since I've become president and we're revitalizing American manufacturing gun safety. We did it together and dozens of laws positively impacting on our veterans. Let me say this regardless, regardless of what the final tally in these elections show. And there's still some counting going on. I'm prepared to work in my republican colleagues. The american people have made clear, I think that they expect republicans to be prepared to work with me as well In the area of foreign policy. I hope will continue this bipartisan approach of confronting Russia's aggression in Ukraine when I return from the G-20 meetings in Indonesia with other world leaders, I'm gonna invite the leaders of both political parties, as I've done in the past in my foreign trips to the White House to discuss how we can work together for the remainder of this year and into the next Congress to advance the economic and national security priorities of the United States. And I'm open to any good ideas. I want to be very clear, I'm not going to support any Republican proposal that's gonna make inflation worse. For example, the voters don't want to pay higher prescription costs for drugs. We've cut that now, we're going to kick into gear next year, next to calendar year. And I'm not gonna walk away from historic commitments we just made to take on the climate crisis. They're not compromise able issues to me and I won't let it happen. The voters don't want more taxes for the super tax cuts for the super wealthy and biggest corporations and I'm going to continue to focus on cost cutting for working and middle class families and building the economy from the bottom up in the middle out. I know you're tired of hearing me say that, but I genuinely mean it that's what makes America grow the wealthy do very well when the middle class is doing well and the poor have *** way up and while continue to bring down the federal deficit. You know, as we look at tax cuts, we should be looking at tax cuts for working people and middle class people, not the very wealthy, they're fine. And I look I if you can go out and be *** multi millionaire, that's great. Just just pay your fair share. That's all that's all. Just pay your fair share. It's like those 55 corporations in 2000 and made $40 billion it's not right. Everybody has an obligation. So now they have to pay *** staggering 15%. You'll pay more than that for new taxes. So I'm gonna keep my commitment that no one, no one or any less than $400,000 *** year. And that's *** lot of money where I come from, are gonna see their federal taxes go up. And I want to be very clear under no circumstances will I support the proposals put forward by Senator johnson and the senator from down in florida to cut or make fundamental changes in Social Security, Medicare. That's not on the table. I will not do that. I will veto any attempt to pass *** national ban on abortion, but I'm ready to compromise the republicans where it makes sense on many other issues. And I always put the needs and interests of american people first. So let me close this on this election season. The american people made it clear, they don't want every day going forward to be *** constant political battle. There's too much that of that going on. There's too much we have to do. The future of America is too promising. Two promises to be trapped in endless political warfare. And I really mean it. You've heard me say it time and again for the last 20 months or so. I am so optimistic about the prospects for America. We need to be looking to the future, not fixated on the past and that future is bright as can be. We were the only nation the world has come out of every crisis stronger than we went into the crisis and that's *** fact. I mean, I mean literally mean that we've come out stronger than we've gone in. I've never been more optimistic about America's future than him today. You know, particularly because of all those young people, I talked about 18 to 30 they're showing up, they're the best educated generation in american history, the least prejudiced generation in american history, the most engaged generation in american history and the most involved. Look after *** long campaign season, I still believe it. I always have. This is *** great nation and we're great people and it's never been *** good bet to bet against America. Never been *** good bet to bet against America. There's nothing nothing beyond our capacity if we work together, we just need to remember who the hell we are. We're the United States of America. The United States. America has nothing beyond our capacity And I'm pretty well convinced that we're gonna be able to get *** lot done.

Democrats defied gravity this week as voters set aside their concerns about President Joe Biden to deny Republicans the sweeping victory they expected, emboldening a Biden team whose political instincts have been routinely questioned or outright dismissed by opponents and even allies. It was a remarkable display of resiliency in the face of both history and gloomy polls that suggested voters were fed up with inflation and crime and looking to punish the party in power. As key races continued to be tallied on Wednesday, it was clear that Democrats had limited Republican gains in the House and maintained a potential path to holding control of the Senate. Biden spent the campaign's closing stretch on defense, steering clear of battleground states where his own unpopularity could have dragged down Democrats. But on election night, he was up past midnight congratulating candidates who were supposed to have been swept from office."While the press and the pundits were predicting a giant red wave, it didn't happen," Biden said Wednesday at the White House in his first public remarks since voting ended. He said Democrats had a "strong night."Video below: Red wave didn't happen, Biden saysHe acknowledged that many Americans remain discouraged by the country's direction — "the voters were also clear that they're still frustrated, I get it" — and said he was willing to compromise with Republicans as he faces the likelihood of divided government in Washington. But he pledged to stay the course on his agenda, predicting the results will vindicate his choices.He questioned whether Americans really want the major changes some Republicans are calling for — such as debate and votes on whether to continue Social Security or Medicare."I'm not going to change anything in any fundamental way," he said."Never underestimate how much Team Biden is underestimated," tweeted Ron Klain, the White House chief of staff. Biden was expected to speak from the White House and take questions from reporters later Wednesday.For all the upbeat talk, however, none of the Democrats' success will be able to prevent what's likely to be a chaotic and bruising phase of Biden's presidency. Republicans are hoping to take control of the House, which would open the door for extreme members of the party to investigate Biden and his family. Any of Biden's legislative priorities could be off the table, and merely funding the government could prove challenging.The future of the Senate remained a tossup as votes were counted; potential Democratic losses there could limit or even cut off Biden's ability to confirm new judges and other administration officials.Video below: Biden prepared to work with RepublicansIt's also unclear if the midterm results will be enough to enable Biden to dismiss his doubters as he prepares to run for a second term. An expansive survey by AP VoteCast revealed deep worries about his performance and ability to continue serving.With Biden approaching his 80th birthday, 58% of voters said he does not have the mental capability to serve effectively as president. Only 44% described him as honest, and just 34% said he's a "strong leader."There were other warning signs for his political standing as well.When Biden was elected two years ago, 54% of voters described him as someone who "cares about people like you." Among this year's midterm voters, that slipped to 46%.Overall, 57% of voters said they had an unfavorable view of Biden. His approval ratings on the economy, energy policy and border security were underwater. Even his handling of Russia, widely seen as a success for Biden as he maintains an international coalition to oppose the invasion of Ukraine, is viewed negatively. His lukewarm ratings were driven by overwhelmingly negative attitudes among Republicans, but even Democratic voters were not resounding in their support.About 2 in 10 voters for Democrats said they disapprove of Biden's job performance overall, a noticeable softness in today's hyper-partisan political environment. The survey of more than 94,000 voters nationwide was conducted for nine days, concluding as polls closed, for The Associated Press by NORC at the University of Chicago.A clear advantage for Biden, who campaigned for office on simply being better than the alternative, is the disdain that his supporters have for his predecessor. While 50% of voters for Democratic candidates said their votes were meant to show support for the president, an even greater percentage — 65% — said they voted to express opposition to Donald Trump."Democrats were arguing from the beginning that they needed to make this election a choice rather than a referendum," said Amy Walter, an analyst who leads the Cook Political Report. "And essentially, they did."Walter said Democrats were able to maintain support in the midterms from voters who believe that "Biden is not living up to their expectations, or they are feeling disappointed or they are feeling disappointed of his stewardship."Video below: Biden won't support any legislation that will make inflation worseThe outcome takes the heat off the White House, at least for now. "The pressure goes from 'How is Biden going to explain himself post election?' to 'How is Trump going to explain himself?'" she said. "The more intriguing conversations are happening on the Republican side."Some members of Biden's team began circulating a clip of his meeting with the New York Times editorial board during the Democratic primary. Asked about whether his lead in the polls was fleeting, Biden dismissed the question by saying pundits were always too quick to "declare me dead.""And guess what?" he said. "I ain't dead. And I'm not going to die."Al Gore, who served as vice president when Democrats suffered deep losses during the first midterm election of Bill Clinton's presidency, said this week's results defied expectations even though Republicans could gain control over at least one chamber of Congress."It's hard to call it a victory," Gore said of Democrats in an interview, "but actually in the context of history, it kind of was."___Associated Press writer Seth Borenstein contributed from Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

WASHINGTON —

It was a remarkable display of resiliency in the face of both history and gloomy polls that suggested voters were fed up with inflation and crime and looking to punish the party in power. As key races continued to be tallied on Wednesday, it was clear that Democrats had limited Republican gains in the House and maintained a potential path to holding control of the Senate.

Biden spent the campaign's closing stretch on defense, steering clear of battleground states where his own unpopularity could have dragged down Democrats. But on election night, he was up past midnight congratulating candidates who were supposed to have been swept from office.

"While the press and the pundits were predicting a giant red wave, it didn't happen," Biden said Wednesday at the White House in his first public remarks since voting ended. He said Democrats had a "strong night."

Video below: Red wave didn't happen, Biden says

He acknowledged that many Americans remain discouraged by the country's direction — "the voters were also clear that they're still frustrated, I get it" — and said he was willing to compromise with Republicans as he faces the likelihood of divided government in Washington.

But he pledged to stay the course on his agenda, predicting the results will vindicate his choices.

He questioned whether Americans really want the major changes some Republicans are calling for — such as debate and votes on whether to continue Social Security or Medicare.

"I'm not going to change anything in any fundamental way," he said.

"Never underestimate how much Team Biden is underestimated," tweeted Ron Klain, the White House chief of staff. Biden was expected to speak from the White House and take questions from reporters later Wednesday.

For all the upbeat talk, however, none of the Democrats' success will be able to prevent what's likely to be a chaotic and bruising phase of Biden's presidency. Republicans are hoping to take control of the House, which would open the door for extreme members of the party to investigate Biden and his family. Any of Biden's legislative priorities could be off the table, and merely funding the government could prove challenging.

The future of the Senate remained a tossup as votes were counted; potential Democratic losses there could limit or even cut off Biden's ability to confirm new judges and other administration officials.

Video below: Biden prepared to work with Republicans

It's also unclear if the midterm results will be enough to enable Biden to dismiss his doubters as he prepares to run for a second term. An expansive survey by AP VoteCast revealed deep worries about his performance and ability to continue serving.

With Biden approaching his 80th birthday, 58% of voters said he does not have the mental capability to serve effectively as president. Only 44% described him as honest, and just 34% said he's a "strong leader."

There were other warning signs for his political standing as well.

When Biden was elected two years ago, 54% of voters described him as someone who "cares about people like you." Among this year's midterm voters, that slipped to 46%.

Overall, 57% of voters said they had an unfavorable view of Biden. His approval ratings on the economy, energy policy and border security were underwater. Even his handling of Russia, widely seen as a success for Biden as he maintains an international coalition to oppose the invasion of Ukraine, is viewed negatively.

His lukewarm ratings were driven by overwhelmingly negative attitudes among Republicans, but even Democratic voters were not resounding in their support.

About 2 in 10 voters for Democrats said they disapprove of Biden's job performance overall, a noticeable softness in today's hyper-partisan political environment.

The survey of more than 94,000 voters nationwide was conducted for nine days, concluding as polls closed, for The Associated Press by NORC at the University of Chicago.

A clear advantage for Biden, who campaigned for office on simply being better than the alternative, is the disdain that his supporters have for his predecessor.

While 50% of voters for Democratic candidates said their votes were meant to show support for the president, an even greater percentage — 65% — said they voted to express opposition to Donald Trump.

"Democrats were arguing from the beginning that they needed to make this election a choice rather than a referendum," said Amy Walter, an analyst who leads the Cook Political Report. "And essentially, they did."

Walter said Democrats were able to maintain support in the midterms from voters who believe that "Biden is not living up to their expectations, or they are feeling disappointed or they are feeling disappointed of his stewardship."

Video below: Biden won't support any legislation that will make inflation worse

The outcome takes the heat off the White House, at least for now.

"The pressure goes from 'How is Biden going to explain himself post election?' to 'How is Trump going to explain himself?'" she said. "The more intriguing conversations are happening on the Republican side."

Some members of Biden's team began circulating a clip of his meeting with the New York Times editorial board during the Democratic primary.

Asked about whether his lead in the polls was fleeting, Biden dismissed the question by saying pundits were always too quick to "declare me dead."

"And guess what?" he said. "I ain't dead. And I'm not going to die."

Al Gore, who served as vice president when Democrats suffered deep losses during the first midterm election of Bill Clinton's presidency, said this week's results defied expectations even though Republicans could gain control over at least one chamber of Congress.

"It's hard to call it a victory," Gore said of Democrats in an interview, "but actually in the context of history, it kind of was."

___

Associated Press writer Seth Borenstein contributed from Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

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