President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris each delivered victory speeches tonight from Wilmington, Delaware. They were surrounded by a crowd festooned with American flags and campaign paraphernalia. A general air of relief and excitement was palpable as horns blared and people danced atop cars in celebration.

Under a torrent of cowbells and cheers, Harris began by quoting the late John Lewis.  “Democracy is not a state, it’s an act,” 

Harris spoke of protecting democracy and building a better future, as she placed an emphasis on the people, particularly the BIPOC women, that had stood against the Trump administration.  

“While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last,” Harris said. She then introduced Biden as the 46th president-elect.  

Joe Biden’s joy was apparent as he jogged onstage to deliver his victory speech.

“Folks, the people of this nation have spoken. They have delivered us a clear victory, a convincing victory, a victory for we the people,” he said.  

Biden’s message, as it has been throughout the campaign, was one of unity as he pledged to be a president “who doesn’t see red states or blue states; only the United States.” He avoided mention of his opponent and the protracted nature of election day, instead emphasizing compromise and human decency. “Our administration will be about people,” he said.

At the beginning of next week, he intends to develop a task force of scientists and experts to develop a proper response to the COVID-19 virus which will be implemented once he is in office.  

“If we can decide not to cooperate, we can decide to cooperate.”

The Election Coverage Team consists of Alasdair Padman, Editor-in-Chief; Ella Meyers, Publisher; Allison Cohen, Chief Copy Editor; Mat Chapin, Managing Editor.