Joe Biden says ‘Red Wave’ didn’t happen in first speech after midterm elections

In his first speech after the US midterms took place on Tuesday, November 8, President Joe Biden said that “a good day, I think, for Democracy” and a “good day for America.” 

“The American people have spoken, it shows that Democracy is who we are,” he said. 

‘Red wave, it didn’t happen’

He also stressed the record voter turnout on Election Day and the fact that Republicans were unable to pull the landslide win that they were hoping for during the midterms. Although not all the results have been declared yet, Biden reflected on the ones that were already out. 

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“While the press and pundits are predicting a giant red wave, it didn’t happen,” he said. “I know you were somewhat miffed by my obsessing optimism, but I felt good during the whole process.”

Expressing his condolences for members of the Democratic party who lost, Biden pointed out that his party “lost fewer seats in the House of Representatives than any Democratic presidents’ first midterm election in the last 40 years.”

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‘Prepared to work with my Republican colleagues’

He also indicated that he would try to work across the political aisle if Republicans win the House. However, he was sure to put across firmly that there are some issues he won’t compromise on.

“I’m prepared to work with my Republican colleagues,” Biden said. “The American people have made clear, I think, that they expect Republicans to be prepared to work with me as well.”

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Biden further added: “I’m not going to support any Republican proposal that’s going to make inflation worse,” and “I’m not going to walk away from historic commitments we just made to take on the climate crisis.”

The president was informed that House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy said last night that Republicans are going to take the House majority back. When asked whether Biden thinks McCarthy was right, he said that he thinks Democrats still have the possibility of holding onto the chamber. “It’s going to be close,” he said.