United States President Joe Biden addressed Thursday the Democratic Party’s defeat in this week’s elections, promising to ensure a «peaceful and orderly transition» of power as he consoled Democratic voters, saying, «A defeat does not mean we are defeated.»

Biden spoke from the White House Rose Garden at a press conference attended also by his staff and part of his family.

The president spoke for just seven minutes. He was greeted with more than a minute of applause from his team and his granddaughter, who was in the front row and to whom he blew a kiss in his only emotional gesture to the audience.

Biden did not confirm whether he would attend Trump’s inauguration, but hinted that he might, saying, «I will fulfill my oath and I will honor the Constitution on Jan. 20.»

The president also urged Americans to embrace unity and said «We accept the choice the country made,» referring to the election results

«I’ve said many times, you can’t love your country only when you win. You can’t love your neighbor only when you agree,» he added.

In his speech, the president also referenced and praised Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, whom he spoke with on Wednesday.

«She has a backbone like a ramrod, she has great character, true character. She gave her whole heart and effort, and she and her entire team should be proud of the campaign they ran,» Biden said.

Several Democratic Party figures have criticized Biden’s decision to run for re-election, arguing that his candidacy blocked a primary process that would have allowed Harris to strengthen her campaign.

Biden, 81, was the Democratic nominee until July, when his party forced him to withdraw after a disastrous debate performance against his rival, prompting criticism of his age and mental acuity.

One of the harshest statements came from Jim Manley, an aide to former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who told Politico that Biden’s «arrogance» made Trump’s victory possible.