Joe Biden has vowed to unite the people of a deeply divided nation as the next President of the United States after a marathon campaign filled with heated rhetoric.
In his first address since defeating Donald Trump to win the White House, Biden said he intended to rule for everyone – and praised the widespread support he received from people across the country who voted for him in record numbers had.
“People, the people of this nation have spoken. They gave us a clear victory, a convincing victory, a victory for ‘We the people’, ”the Democratic President-elect told a crowd of supporters at a rally in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday evening.
Thousands attended the physically distant rally in Wilmington, cheering and waving US flags and Biden-Harris 2020 posters.
“I promise to be a president who doesn’t want to divide, but to unite. Whoever doesn’t see red and blue states – only sees the United States – and who will work wholeheartedly to win the trust of the whole people, “said Biden.
Joe Biden has promised to unite the United States and rule the country for everyone [Jonathan Ernst/Reuters]After several days of waiting for a winner to be announced in the highly competitive presidential race in which Biden competes against incumbent President Trump, the Associated Press predicted on Saturday morning that Biden had won the White House.
The former US Vice President had urged calm this week as several key states continued to count ballots, while also expressing confidence that he and his Vice President Kamala Harris would ultimately be declared the winners.
With the win, Harris becomes the first black woman and person of Asian descent to be named elected vice president.
We did it @JoeBiden. pic.twitter.com/oCgeylsjB4
– Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 7, 2020
“While I may be the first woman in this office, I won’t be the last. Because every little girl who watches tonight sees that this is a land of opportunity, ”said Harris, who took the stage in Delaware before Biden.
“When our democracy was on the ballot in those elections and the soul of America was at stake and the world was watching, you ushered in a new day for America,” she told the crowd, thanking the Americans for choosing Hope and Unity “, Decency, science and yes, truth”.
“You have elected Joe Biden as the next President of the United States of America,” she said to applause and horns honking.
“Election is far from over”
Trump did not admit the race, saying on Saturday that “this election is far from over” and promising to legally question the results in several states.
The Republican leader has repeatedly said – without producing any evidence – that widespread electoral fraud has affected the election.
US President Donald Trump’s campaign has announced that it will fight the results in court [Carlos Barria/Reuters]Experts have dismissed these allegations as unfounded, despite the fact that many of Trump’s supporters have repeated them in protests denouncing Biden’s victory.
The president’s supporters have held rallies in Wisconsin, where the Trump campaign has announced it will call for a recount because of Biden’s low profit margin, as well as in Arizona, Georgia and Pennsylvania, where there have also been close races.
“As of Monday, our campaign will begin to pursue our case in court to ensure that electoral laws are fully complied with and the rightful winner is seated,” Trump said in his statement.
Healing departments
Biden and Harris must heal a deeply divided country that has seen mass protests against racial justice for months and has been devastated by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
“There will be a tremendous task for this Democratic ticket as the White House takes over,” said Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett. “Trying to unite Americans and win the support of the millions of Americans who didn’t vote.” You.”
That was a main topic in Biden’s speech, where he took a brief moment to speak directly to Trump supporters.
“I understand the disappointment tonight,” he said. “I’ve lost a couple of times myself, but now we’re giving each other a chance. It’s time to get rid of the harsh rhetoric, drop the temperature, meet again, and listen to each other again. “
Thousands of supporters sit in a vehicle as people arrive for an event with President-elect Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday, November 7, 2020. (AP Photo /[Andrew Harnik/AP]Meanwhile, Biden supporters have celebrated all over the country.
Thousands of people participated in violent rallies throughout the day on Saturday in numerous cities, from New York to Philadelphia, North Carolina, Minnesota and Georgia, as well as outside the White House in Washington, DC.
A lively crowd in the US capital, most of whom wore masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, danced, played music and drank champagne. “I’ve been preparing for this day for a long time,” said Andrew Hasson to Al Jazeera from the rally.
“This week has been super stressful just waiting for the results, but it’s a great feeling and DC is feeling alive again.”
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