Biden to the Nation: “You Can’t Love Your Country Only When You Win”

President Joe Biden said, “You can’t love your country until you win” in his first speech since Vice President Kamala Harris lost to former President Donald Trump in the presidential race.

“You can’t love your neighbor only if you agree,” Biden said in an address to the nation in the White House Rose Garden on Thursday.

Biden said he has directed his administration to work with Trump’s team on a peaceful transition of power.

Biden said in a statement Wednesday that adding Harris to the 2020 Democratic ticket was the first and “best decision” he made in the campaign.

“Her story represents the best of American history,” Biden said, adding, “I have no doubt that she will continue to write that history.”

His statement did not mention Trump, the former Republican president and now president-elect, who will overturn Biden’s only term.

Biden and Harris have both. talked to Trump congratulate him on winning a second term.

Harris in speech conceded the race to Trump on Wednesday.

Harris stressed: “While I recognize this election, I do not recognize the struggles that fueled this campaign.”

“Now is not the time to throw up our hands, this is the time to roll up our sleeves. This is a time to organize, mobilize and stay engaged for freedom, justice and the future we all know we can build together,” she said.

Trump won the swing states of North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wisconsin and Michigan. ABC News has not announced winners in the final two swing states, Nevada and Arizona.

Republicans also took control of the Senate. The results of the vote in the House of Representatives are not yet clear.

ABC News’ Michelle Stoddart contributed to this report.