Factbox: Congratulations for Biden from America’s politicians and celebrities

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Former U.S. presidents, politicians from both Republican and Democratic parties, business leaders and celebrities congratulated Democrat Joe Biden on Saturday for winning the U.S. presidential election over Republican incumbent Donald Trump.

FILE PHOTO: With Vice President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi looking on, U.S. President Barack Obama addresses a joint session of Congress in Washington, February 24, 2009. REUTERS/Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Pool/File Photo

Following are their words to Biden in statements and tweets:

FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

“I could not be prouder to congratulate our next President, Joe Biden, and our next First Lady, Jill Biden. I also couldn’t be prouder to congratulate Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff for Kamala’s groundbreaking election as our next Vice President.”

“I know he’ll do the job with the best interests of every American at heart, whether or not he had their vote. So I encourage every American to give him a chance and lend him your support. The election results at every level show that the country remains deeply and bitterly divided.”

FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON

“America has spoken and democracy has won. Now we have a President-Elect and Vice President-Elect who will serve all of us and bring us all together. Congratulations to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on your momentous victory!”

FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER

“Rosalynn joins me in congratulating our friends President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. We are proud of their well-run campaign and look forward to seeing the positive change they bring to our nation.”

2016 DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE AND FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON

“The voters have spoken, and they have chosen @JoeBiden

and @KamalaHarris To be our next president and vice president.

It’s a history-making ticket, a repudiation of Trump, and a new page for America. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. Onward, together.”

DEMOCRATIC SPEAKER OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NANCY PELOSI

“We kept the republic! Congratulations to Joe Biden on his victory for the soul of our country. Congratulations to Kamala Harris for making history. It’s a time to heal and a time to grow together. E Pluribus Unum.”

REPUBLICAN U.S. SENATOR MITT ROMNEY

“Ann and I extend our congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. We know both of them as people of good will and admirable character. We pray that God may bless them in the days and years ahead.”

FORMER REPUBLICAN FLORIDA GOVERNOR JEB BUSH

“Congratulations to President-elect Biden. I have prayed for our President most of my adult life. I will be praying for you and your success. Now is the time to heal deep wounds. Many are counting on you to lead the way.”

SINGER AND ACTOR LADY GAGA

“@JoeBiden @KamalaHarris and the American people, you just gave the world one of the greatest acts of kindness and bravery humanity has ever seen. nothing but love for our new Commander in Chief and the 1ST female VP elected to the White House. Also, way to go PA.”

AMAZON CEO JEFF BEZOS

“Unity, empathy, and decency are not characteristics of a bygone era. Congratulations President-elect @JoeBiden and Vice President-elect @KamalaHarris. By voting in record numbers, the American people proved again that our democracy is strong.”

Compiled by Mary Milliken; editing by Grant McCool