Biden: "There Was No Red Wave... Ready to Work with the Republican Party" (Update)

Captured image of U.S. President Joe Biden's press conference

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. President Joe Biden stated on the 9th (local time), the day after the midterm elections, that he is "ready to work with Republican colleagues" amid expectations that the Republican Party will secure the majority in the House of Representatives.

At a press conference held at the White House that afternoon, President Biden said, "The American people have clearly indicated (in this election) that they expect the Republican Party to be ready to work with me."

First, when asked what would appeal to those who said in midterm exit polls that the country is heading in the wrong direction, he answered "nothing." He defended the priorities he has pursued during his two-year term, stating, "I will not change direction."

President Biden emphasized his hope that bipartisan approaches supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine in the foreign policy arena will continue with the Republicans. He added, "I will not support any Republican proposals that would worsen inflation," and asserted, "I will not back down from historic commitments to address the climate crisis."

He also referred to Republicans as "decent people," seemingly distinguishing them from the pro-Trump faction known as MAGA Republicans. He added that he believes MAGA Republicans are a minority.

On the same day, President Biden evaluated, "The media and experts predicted a massive Red Wave (Republican landslide), but it did not happen," and said, "I think it was a good day for democracy and for America." He also mentioned that counting is still ongoing and said, "There is still a possibility that the Democrats will control the House."

Regarding questions about Kevin McCarthy, the pro-Trump House Minority Leader who is expected to become Speaker of the House as the Republicans gain the majority, he said, "I will talk later today." After attending the upcoming G20 summit in Indonesia starting on the 13th, he plans to invite the leaders of both parties to the White House to seek ways to cooperate on national governance.

Meanwhile, as of the afternoon of the day after the midterm elections, the vote count atmosphere across the U.S. suggests that a split control of the two chambers is likely, with the Senate remaining Democratic and the House going Republican, a scenario referred to as ‘Sangminhagong’ (Senate Democratic - House Republican). Contrary to initial predictions that both chambers would be taken by the Republicans, the anticipated ‘Red Wave’ has not materialized, and for now, President Biden appears to have escaped an early lame-duck crisis.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.