US business leaders rally behind Biden

Businesses executives, industry representatives and trade bodies have rallied behind Joe Biden and needed a tranquil transfer of power after he won the 2020 presidential elections and the refusal of President Donald Trump to concede defeat.

Mr Biden is on course to be the 46th president of the US, securing enough electoral votes after he won the state of Pennsylvania on Saturday to get rid of Mr Trump’s hope of securing another term in the White House. Mr Trump, the first president to fail to win re-election in practically three decades, when George H W Bush lost to Bill Clinton in 1992, said he'll pursue legal options to challenge the outcome.

In the run up to elections, US businesses were supportive of Mr Biden, with 77 per cent of participants in a survey of chief executives conducted by the Yale School of Management in late September, saying they would back him. A lot more than 60 % predicted he'd win.

In the wake of Mr Biden's victory, this is exactly what top business and industry leaders are saying:

“Now is a period for unity. We should respect the results of the US presidential election and, as we've with every election, honour the decision of the voters and support a peaceful transition of power.

We are a better country whenever we treat each other with dignity, share a commitment to a common purpose and are united to handle our greater challenges. Regardless of our political views, let’s come together to strengthen our exceptional country

There comes a period in the battle when one should fold the tent. Instead, focus on your accomplishments over the last four years. Consider your legacy and what's best for the united states. Concede graciously and call for unity from all who've supported you.

Periodically America takes a major step toward creating a government that reflects the various country we are. Today is one of those days. I am thinking with joy about young persons in the united states watching the news headlines today and thinking, “Maybe I could lead this nation too”.

Congratulations to Kamala Harris upon this impressive achievement - shattering glass ceilings and norms around what leadership appears like.

I look forward to dealing with the brand new administration and leaders on both sides in Congress on getting the surging pandemic in order, engaging partners around the world on issues like poverty and climate change, and addressing issues of inequality and opportunity in the home.

The ballots have been counted and the American people have elected a leader in Joe Biden who ran promising to bring our country back together. He and Kamala Harris could have my full support as they work to do that.

Rob Nichols, president and leader, American Bankers Association (ABA):

We anticipate working with the brand new administration and the brand new Congress to address the country's challenges. During the monetary downturn caused by Covid-19, America’s banks … have taken unprecedented steps to aid both their consumer and business customers, but we realize more should be done to fuel the recovery.

ABA and our member banks stand prepared to work with the Biden administration and lawmakers from both parties to strengthen the economy.

The US Chamber stands prepared to work with the Biden administration and leaders on both sides of the aisle to revive public health, revitalise our economy and help rebuild American lives and communities.

While there could be differences of opinion how to best progress, our nation must rally around the normal cause of recovery. On this, there can be no division. We stand prepared to help break through the gridlock and help get things done through collaboration and good governance.

Job number one should be pandemic relief.  American smaller businesses cannot afford for Congress to hold back another three months to do something.

Throughout this difficult year, manufacturers have consistently risen to the occasion to keep our fellow Americans safe, healthy and fed. We pledge to continue our leadership, especially as we race toward a vaccine, and we'll utilize a Biden-Harris administration, combined with the new Congress, to achieve economic recovery and American renewal. Manufacturers are focused on being part of the solution.

The American Federation of Labour and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO):

Democracy is prevailing. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ victory in this free and fair election is a win for America’s labour movement. Everywhere atlanta divorce attorneys way, working people are heroically and resiliently fighting back from this pandemic, its economical fallout, chronic income inequality and systemic racism.

Now the AFL-CIO stands ready to help the president-elect and vice president-elect deliver an extended overdue workers’ first agenda.

We understand revitalising and growing the US economy is a top focus as the world continues to grapple with Covid-19 and the economical fallout from the pandemic. Our industry could be a partner upon this all-important effort, aswell as on policies that maintain America’s global leadership and foster greater opportunity for American families across all communities.

From closing the digital divide to investing in research and development to a renewed collaboration with allies to attain US trade, economic, and national security objectives, our industry is focused on working constructively with the Biden-Harris Administration to make certain that the United States adopts policies that support the well-being of most Americans.