After a long and stressful election, America has voted Joe Biden in as the 46th president and running mate Kamala Harris as vice president.
The race was called in Biden’s favour on Saturday [November 7] after he took the lead in the state of Pennsylvania, pushing him past the 270 electoral votes he needed to win the election.
Taking to Twitter, the 77-year-old thanked his supporters and promised to work hard to prove their votes were worth it.
In a statement he said: “In the face of unprecedented obstacles, a record number of Americans voted. Proving once again, that democracy beats deep in the heart of America.
“With the campaign over, it’s time to put the anger and the harsh rhetoric behind us and come together as a nation. It’s time for America to unite. And heal.”
This is an historic victory for a number of reasons. Kamala Harris, who is of Indian and Jamaican heritage, is officially the first woman, and woman of colour, to be elected vice-president of America.
Joe Biden also broke the record for the most votes in an American election ever, a title previously held by former President Barack Obama, whom Biden served as vice president for.
When Biden is inaugurated in January 2021, he will be 78 and thus the oldest president to ever serve in America.
Statement by President-elect Joe Biden pic.twitter.com/H4aKAQvxcu
— CSPAN (@cspan) November 7, 2020
America, I’m honored that you have chosen me to lead our great country.
The work ahead of us will be hard, but I promise you this: I will be a President for all Americans — whether you voted for me or not.
I will keep the faith that you have placed in me. pic.twitter.com/moA9qhmjn8
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 7, 2020
While the presidency is essentially guaranteed for Biden, incumbent president Donald Trump has not yet conceded defeat. According to Associated Press, he is threatening further legal action on ballot counting.
Trump is the first incumbent president to not be re-elected since George H.W. Bush in 1992.
Statement from President Trump:
“this election is far from over. Joe Biden has not been certified as the winner of any states, let alone any of the highly contested states headed for mandatory recounts, or states where our campaign has valid and legitimate legal challenges” pic.twitter.com/GTnqhxYizy
— Trump War Room – Text TRUMP to 88022 (@TrumpWarRoom) November 7, 2020
Soon after the announcement was made, a crowd began to gather outside the White House in Washington DC to celebrate.
The scene outside the @WhiteHouse right now, @JoeBiden supporters gathering to celebrate his projected win. #Election2020 @rtenews pic.twitter.com/3Vl40HDPx7
— Brian O’Donovan (@BrianOD_News) November 7, 2020
LIVE: Crowds gather outside the White House after Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are projected to win the election. https://t.co/jgpTT7M2sT
— NBC News (@NBCNews) November 7, 2020
Americans have taken to social media to express their excitement.
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!
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) November 7, 2020
Joe Biden won.
Kamala Harris won.
Science won.
Truth won.
Health won.
Common human decency won.
Basic human rights won.America won.
I really hope our nation can get back on track. We’ve had a dark cloud hanging over us pushing us to hate each other. We are strongest together.
— Jack “CouRage” Dunlop (@CouRageJD) November 7, 2020
THE FOUR YEAR NIGHTMARE IS ENDING. My heart is filled with joy. My body is very very tired. Thank you, @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris I cannot wait for your inauguration.
— Megan (@themegaloo) November 7, 2020
Happy to know that democracy is still a live in America. Congratulations president elect @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris
We hope you will be able to do more for the world #AmericaDecides2020 pic.twitter.com/KYVNR8t03g— Dr. Sadiyo Siad (@DrSadiyoSiad) November 7, 2020
Picture: Twitter / Joe Biden