Microsoft president Brad Smith has published one of the first official statements from the tech world congratulating president-elect Joe Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris on their election victory.
Smith opened with a reminder that Microsoft also congratulated the then president-elect Donald Trump in 2016. The company's message then seems even more relevant today because Trump has yet to acknowledge the election result, which was called by major news organizations over the weekend.
"The peaceful transition of power has been an enduring and vital part of our democracy for over two centuries, and it remains so today," Smith said in 2016[1].
"If we are to move forward as a nation, we must build new bridges to close the gaps that divide us," Smith said today[2].
SEE: Guide to Becoming a Digital Transformation Champion[3] (TechRepublic Premium)
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates also congratulated Biden and Harris, saying he looked forward to working with the new administration to help the country respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and fight against climate change.
"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 like poverty and climate change, and addressing issues of inequality and opportunity at home," said Gates in a tweet[4].
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who was the focus of Trump's ire during his presidency, congratulated Biden and Harris with an optimistic message about America's future.
"Unity, empathy, and decency are not characteristics of a bygone era. Congratulations President-elect @JoeBiden[5] and Vice President-elect @KamalaHarris[6]. By voting in record numbers, the American people proved again that our democracy is strong," Bezos said in