In his first speech since polls closed around the country, President Joe Biden called out detractors who he said doubted his “incessant optimism” about Democrats’ ability to stave off resounding Republican wins in the midterm elections – even as his presidency is now likely entering a new period of divided government, writes CNN.

The results, he said during a press conference at the White House, are a sign American democracy is intact, despite coming under threat over the past several years.

“We had an election yesterday. And it was a good day, I think, for democracy. Our democracy has been tested in recent years, but with their votes, the American people have spoken and proven once again that democracy is who we are, while the press and the pundits are predicting a giant red wave, it didn’t happen”, - Biden said.

The president did concede that the results are not a ringing endorsement of his approach. Voters, he said, “were also clear that they are still frustrated. I get it. I understand it’s been a really tough few years this country for so many people”.

“While any seat lost is painful … Democrats had a strong night. And we lost fewer seats in the House of Representatives than any Democratic president’s first midterm election in the last 40 years. We had the best midterm for governors since 1986”, - Biden remarked.