WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris expressed their gratitude to affluent Democratic supporters during a holiday gathering for the Democratic National Committee on Sunday. This gathering was intended to uplift donors who contributed significantly during last month’s elections, which resulted in a victory for President-elect Donald Trump. Biden and Harris encouraged these key supporters to remain hopeful and active in the political arena as the party navigates the aftermath of the elections, which saw Republicans capturing the presidency and Senate while retaining control of the House, amidst a total political expenditure of approximately $4.7 billion.
Biden emphasized resilience, echoing a lesson from his father: “We all get knocked down. My dad would say when you get knocked down, you just got to get up.” He highlighted that a person’s or party’s true character is revealed in how quickly they rise after a setback. In her remarks, Harris, who had stepped in as the presidential nominee after Biden ended his campaign earlier due to lackluster debate performances, commended the donors for their commitment and generosity. She recognized the substantial support they provided for candidates who align with their beliefs.
In the election cycle, Democrats, along with affiliated super PACs, managed to raise around $2.9 billion compared to the Republicans’ $1.8 billion. Harris pointed out that the efforts organized by the Democratic finance committee led to an impressive $700 million raised through just 700 events, showcasing the power of grassroots involvement. “You rallied, you opened your homes, you reached out to your friends and your family,” she noted, acknowledging the personal sacrifices donors made to engage others and raise awareness about critical issues.
Despite acknowledging the disappointment following the election results, Biden encouraged the party to take pride in their achievements during his administration. Significant legislative victories were highlighted, including the bipartisanship reflected in the $1 trillion infrastructure bill, the CHIPS and Science Act aimed at enhancing U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, and substantial federal funding for environmental initiatives through the Inflation Reduction Act, which passed with Democratic support in 2022.
Biden expressed his appreciation for the vital role donors played in these successes, stating, “We could never have gotten as much done as we did without you.” He complimented their willingness to publicly advocate for the party, leveraging their names and reputations in support of the campaign. Looking to the future, Biden affirmed his intention to remain engaged in party politics following his departure from office on January 20 and suggested that Harris would continue to play a vital role in the Democratic Party’s trajectory.
“You’re not going anywhere kid. We aren’t letting you,” Biden playfully reassured Harris, indicating the importance of her leadership moving forward.