Biden urges Americans to bring down political temperature

He says Trump's win should 'lay to rest', doubts about integrity of US election system

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US President Joe Biden urged Americans on Nov 7 to lower the political temperature after Donald Trump's crushing election win over Ms Kamala Harris, saying in a conciliatory address to the nation that he would ensure a peaceful transition of power.

In a solemn speech from the White House, Mr Biden also said the result should "lay to rest" doubts about the integrity of the US election system fueled by Trump's refusal to acknowledge his own 2020 defeat by the Democrat.

"Something I hope we can do, no matter whom you voted for, is see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans. Bring down the temperature," Mr Biden said.

Staff rose to their feet, cheered and clapped as Mr Biden arrived in the famed Rose Garden. The 81-year-old dropped out of the race against Trump in July and handed the Democratic nomination to Ms Harris, his vice-president.

Mr Biden said he had called Trump to congratulate the twice-impeached former Republican president and assure him there would be a "peaceful and orderly" transition.

"On Jan 20, we'll have a peaceful transfer of power here in America," said Mr Biden, whose inauguration Trump had refused to attend.