US BUSINESS LEADERS RALLY BEHIND BIDEN AND URGE TRUMP TO CONCEDE
▶ Industry chiefs say a peaceful transition is critical to the country’s economic recovery as Covid-19 spreads
Businesses executives, industry representatives and trade bodies rallied behind Joe Biden, winner of the 2020 US presidential election, and called for a peaceful transfer of power after President Donald Trump refused to concede.
Mr Biden secured enough electoral college votes to be elected 46th president of the US after he won the state of Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Mr Trump became the first president to fail to win re-election since 1992, when George H W Bush lost to Bill Clinton, and said he intends to pursue legal action to challenge the outcome.
US businesses supported Mr Biden in the run-up to the elections.
According to a survey of chief executives conducted by the Yale School of Management in September, 77 per cent of participants said they would back the former vice president while more than six in 10 predicted that he would win.
After Mr Biden’s victory, this is what top business and industry leaders said:
Jamie Dimon chief executive of JP Morgan, the largest bank in the US
Now is a time for unity. We must respect the results of the US presidential election and, as we have with every election, honour the decision of the voters and support a peaceful transition of power.
We are a stronger country when we treat each other with dignity, share a commitment to a common purpose and are united to address our greater challenges. No matter our political views, let us come together to strengthen our exceptional country.
Bill Ackman billionaire hedge fund manager
There comes a time in the battle when one should fold the tent. Instead, focus on your accomplishments over the past four years. Think about your legacy and what is best for the country. Concede graciously and call for unity from all who have supported you.
Sheryl Sandberg chief operating officer of Facebook
There are times when America takes a big step towards creating a government that reflects the diverse country we are. Today is one of those days. I am thinking with joy about young people across the country watching the news today and thinking, ‘Maybe I can lead this nation too’.
Congratulations to Kamala Harris on this remarkable achievement – shattering glass ceilings and norms around what leadership looks like.
Bill Gates billionaire philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft
I look forward to working with the new administration and leaders on both sides in Congress on getting the surging pandemic under control, engaging partners around the world on issues [such as] poverty and climate change, and addressing issues of inequality and opportunity at home.
Michael Bloomberg owner of Bloomberg and former mayor of New York City
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 will have my full support as they work to do that.
Rob Nichols president and chief executive of the American Bankers Association
We look forward to working with the new administration and the new Congress to address the nation’s challenges. During the economic downturn caused by Covid-19, America’s banks ... have taken steps to assist both their consumer and business customers, but we know more must be done to fuel the recovery.
ABA and our member banks stand ready to work with the Biden administration and lawmakers from both parties to bolster the economy.
Thomas J Donohue chief executive of the US Chamber of Commerce
The US Chamber stands ready to work with the Biden administration and leaders
According to a survey of chief executives conducted in September, 77 per cent said they would back Mr Biden on both sides of the aisle to restore public health, revitalise our economy and help rebuild American lives and communities.
While there may be differences of opinion on how to best move forward, our nation must rally around the common cause of recovery. On this, there can be no division. We stand ready to help break through the gridlock and help get things done.
Job number one must be pandemic relief. American small businesses cannot afford for Congress to wait another three months to act.
Jay Timmons president and chief executive of the National Association of Manufacturers
Throughout this difficult year, manufacturers have consistently risen to the occasion to help keep our fellow Americans safe, healthy and fed. We pledge to continue our leadership, especially as we race toward a vaccine, and we will work with a Biden-Harris administration, along with the new Congress, to achieve economic recovery and American renewal. Manufacturers are committed to being part of the solution.
The American Federation of Labour and Congress of Industrial Organisations
Democracy is prevailing. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ victory in this free and fair election is a win for America’s labour movement. Everywhere, in every way, working people are heroically and resiliently fighting back against this pandemic, its economic fallout, chronic income inequality and systemic racism.
Jason Oxman president of the Information Technology Industry Council
We understand revitalising and growing the US economy will be a top focus as the world continues to grapple with Covid-19 and the economic fallout from the pandemic. Our industry can be a partner on this all-important effort, as well as on policies that maintain America’s global leadership and foster greater opportunity for American families across all communities.
Our industry is committed to working with the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that the US adopts policies that support the well-being of all Americans.