Washington, D.C. -- In response to the announcement that Joe Biden has received the 270 electoral votes necessary to be declared president-elect, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:
“It has been clear for days now that Joe Biden has been on track to win the popular vote in his run for the presidency. It is decisive that today he has surpassed the threshold of 270 electoral college votes. NAB congratulates Joe Biden on becoming president-elect of the United States of America.
"I was privileged to serve beside President-elect Joe Biden during my two terms as a Republican Senator from Oregon. I know Joe. I know his patriotic love for his country and of his good heart for all his countrymen.
"Working together on the Foreign Relations Committee, we routinely bridged the partisan divide to achieve important legislative accomplishments.
"And, during a time of personal tragedy for my family, when we lost our son Garrett, Joe was a source of support and solace. Because he too knew the pain of losing a child, he gave to me a steady, brotherly shoulder to lean on. Joe is a healer, the consoler-in-chief our nation has elected.
"With due respect to President Trump’s rights to judicial review of election results, it is time to acknowledge the election of Joe Biden and to allow him the chance to bind our nation back together.”
Additionally, Smith provided this video message for NAB members regarding the elections.
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.