It’s time to put the anger and harsh rhetoric behind us and come together as a nation
– PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN YESTERDAY
VICTORIOUS Joe Biden last night invited his fellow Americans to “unite and heal” as he became President-elect of the United States.
After days of vote counting and wild accusations by outgoing President Trump of rigged polls, Mr Biden finally got the result he wanted.
Most of America – and the world – breathed a huge sigh of relief after the most chaotic, hate-fuelled, US presidency came to an end.
Impromptu street parties broke out across America and thousands of Democrats gathered at the White House.
As news broke that he was to become the 46th President of the United States, Mr Biden said on Twitter: “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 to heal.
“America, I’m honoured that you have chosen me to lead our great country.
FAITH
“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.”
President Trump reacted badly and once again threatened legal action.
He broke off from playing golf to insist the vote was “illegal” – and claim he had won “by a lot”.
He later issued a bitter statement saying Mr Biden was “rushing to falsely pose as the winner”.
Mr Trump said the race was “far from over” and added: “Beginning Monday, our campaign will start prosecuting our case in court to ensure election laws are fully upheld and the rightful winner is seated.
“I will not rest until the American people have the honest vote count they deserve and that democracy demands.”
But the plain fact was most Americans voted for Mr Biden. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who while Mayor of London spoke disparagingly of Mr Biden, was one of the first to send his good wishes to Mr Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.
He said: “Congratulations to
Joe Biden on his election and to Kamala Harris on her historic achievement.
“I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities.”
German Chancellor Angela
Merkel said: “Our transatlantic friendship is irreplaceable if we want to overcome the great challenges of our time.”
France’s President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: “We have a lot to do to overcome today’s challenges. Let’s work together.”
Former Democrat president
Barack Obama said he “could not be prouder” and called the election “a historic and decisive victory”.
He said: “We’re fortunate that Joe’s got what it takes to be president and already carries himself that way.
“Because when he walks into the White House in January, he’ll face a series of extraordinary challenges no incoming president ever has – a raging pandemic, an unequal economy and justice system, a democracy at risk and a climate in peril. I know he’ll do the job with the best interests of every American at heart, whether or not he had their vote.”
Hillary Clinton, who lost to Mr Trump in the 2016 race, tweeted: “It’s a historymaking ticket, a repudiation of Trump, and a new page for America.
“Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. Onward, together.” Mr Biden was announced President-elect after securing the vote in Pennsylvania.
At one point in the count he trailed Mr Trump by 600,000 – but clawed his way back once postal votes were counted.
The Democrat is 78 this month and when he is inaugurated in January will be the oldest ever US President,
While Mr Trump was playing golf in Sterling, Virginia, Mr Biden and Ms Harris were putting together a transition team and building a new administration.
They were given repeated updates on coronavirus levels in the States – after months of accusations that Mr Trump had failed to take the pandemic seriously.
It was a sweet moment for the President-elect, who first entered the Senate on November 7, 1972 – 48 years ago yesterday.
It was a more historic moment for women as Ms Harris became the first female Vice Presidentelect. She is also the first black woman, the first Indian-American woman and the first daughter of immigrants to land
the role. Throughout the campaign, Ms Harris faced both racist and sexist attacks from President Trump, who refused to pronounce her name correctly.
On Mr Biden being announced the winner, she tweeted: “This election is about so much more than Joe Biden or me. It’s about the soul of America and our willingness to fight for it. We have a lot of work ahead of us. s. Let’s Lets get started.” started.
She also posted a video of the emotional moment she he called Mr Biden following his win.
“We did it. We did it, Joe,” she tells him. “You’re going to be the next President of the United ed States.”
Mr Biden updated d his Twitter profile to “President-elect, elect, husband to Dr Biden, proud d father and grandfather. Ready to o build back better for all Americans”. ans”.
Mrs Biden – or Dr Jill as she is known – posted ed a picture with her husband and on Twitter. She delighthtedly covered up the he word “Vice” on a placard which read: “Dr & Vice President Biden live here”.
Mrs Biden has been a constant support during her husband’s campaign and one of his most trusted advisers.
The triumph comes after a career tinged with tragedy for her husband. In 1972 he lost his first wife, Neilia Hunter, 30, and a baby daughter, Naomi, in a car accident. And in 2015, his lawyer son Beau Biden died of brain cancer, aged 46.
Yesterday’s victory saw Mr Biden clinch Pennsylvania and Nevada – which carry 20 and six electoral college votes respectively. It gave him an unassailable 279 votes to Mr Trump’s 214, with four states yet to declare. The winning post was 270. As Democrat supporters celebrated at the White House, fencing around the Presidential home was covered with signs saying “loser”, “eviction notice” and “time to go”.
Another placard referring to the President’s Mexican border obsession said: “Trump, Tear Down Your Wall. One Hope, One People. United We Stand.”
In the Republican camp, meanwhile, worried leaders are voicing fears that Mr Trump’s outbursts are irrevocably damaging US democracy.
But while ever the President – known as King Kong by many in the administration – continues to have wild outbursts, no one dares tell him to admit defeat.
Even his eldest sons, Don Jr and Eric, are regularly berated by their father.
Republican leaders have pinned their hope on his favourite child and daughter Ivanka talking him round.
But an insider told the Sunday Mirror that she, too, has not yet conceded election defeat.
Vice President Mike Pence is said to be too fearful of telling his boss to stand down, while others in the Trump cabinet are equally scared.