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

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Following the surprising strong performance of the ruling Democratic Party in the U.S. November 8 midterm elections, President Joe Biden stated on the 9th (local time) that the "Red Wave" (Republican landslide) did not occur. He said he is "ready to work together" with the Republicans, who are likely to become the majority in the House, but expressed his intention to veto any attempts to overturn laws related to inflation, abortion rights, and the climate crisis.

President Biden attended a White House press conference that afternoon and said, "I believe Americans have made it clear that they expect the Republicans to be ready to work with me" in this midterm election.

As the vote counting continues, the House is expected to be controlled by the Republicans with a margin of about 10 seats, while the Senate, which is in a very close race, is anticipated to have its final outcome decided only after the December runoff election in Georgia. Essentially, a 'Sangminhagong' (Senate Democratic - House Republican) configuration is likely.

Encouraged by the election results, when asked what he would do for the many voters who said in exit polls that the country is heading in the wrong direction, Biden replied "nothing," adding that he would not change direction from his existing policies. He noted that the anticipated Red Wave predicted by experts and the media did not materialize and described it as "a good day for democracy and for America."

President Biden expressed willingness to cooperate, saying, "I am ready to compromise with the Republicans where it makes sense on various issues." However, he hopes bipartisan support will continue in foreign policy, especially regarding support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion. He also emphasized, "I have a pen to veto," stating, "I will not support Republican proposals that worsen inflation. I will not back down from historic commitments to address the climate crisis."

If congressional power is divided, the partisan battles over major policies and legislation are expected to intensify. Kevin McCarthy, the likely next Speaker of the House and Republican House Majority Leader, has previously hinted at pursuing impeachment against President Biden and is known as a hardliner and a pro-Trump figure. When asked about McCarthy, Biden said, "I will talk to him later today." He also revealed plans to invite both party leaders to the White House to seek ways to cooperate on governance after returning from the G20 summit in Indonesia starting on the 13th.

With the midterm elections concluded, attention has now shifted to the presidential election two years from now. Regarding his bid for re-election, Biden said, "It is ultimately a decision I will make with my family," adding, "Everyone hopes I run again, but we will discuss it first."

He said he does not feel the need to rush his re-election decision regardless of when former President Trump announces his candidacy, stating, "I will probably make that decision early next year." Trump has effectively signaled his presidential run by announcing a major event at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on the 15th.

When asked who would be a more threatening competitor in the next presidential election between former President Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a leading Republican presidential hopeful, Biden laughed it off, saying, "It will be interesting to watch them fight."

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