Joe Biden, Kamala Harris hail 'a new day for America' in victory speech
Joe Biden has delivered his victory speech after being declared the 46th president of the United States.
Addressing the nation from Wilmington in Delaware, the President-elect said he was elated at his and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ incredible win.
Crowds erupted Saturday evening (local time) as he jogged excitedly to the podium to stand alongside Harris, where the pair waved out to a roaring mass of supporters.
“Folks, the people of this nation have spoken. They have delivered us a clear victory. A convincing victory,” Biden told the crowd.
“A victory for we, the people, we have won with the most votes of all counts ever cast in a presidential ticket in the history of the nation, 74 million!”
“We have seen all over this nation, all cities and all parts of the country and indeed across the world, an outpouring of joy, of hope, renewed faith in tomorrow. To bring a better day!”.
Biden took a brief swipe at Donald Trump, calling on the “demonisation” associated with his presidency to end.
“Let this grim era of demonisation begin to end here and now,” he told the crowd.
Biden said the victory was the honour of his lifetime.
“And now, the work of making that vision is real. It is a task, the task, of our time. Folks, as I said many times before, I'm Jill's husband.
“And I would not be here without her love and tireless support of Jill and my son Hunter and my daughter Ashley and all of their grandchildren and their spouses and all of our family. They are my heart.”
'Teary-eyed' Donald Trump booed on return to White House after defeat
The US erupts in 'wild' scenes as Joe Biden wins White House
US Election LIVE updates: State by state guide to Joe Biden's win
Biden promised his presidency would immediately address “the battle to control the virus, the battle to build prosperity and the battle to secure your family's healthcare”.
He said he would work to “achieve racial justice and rule out systemic racism in this country”.
“And the battle to save our planet by getting the climate under control. The battle of restoring decency, defending democracy, and give everybody in this country a fair shot. That is all they are asking for, a fair shot.”
The president-elect recited a Catholic hymn in conclusion of his speech. He said it captured his faith and hoped it would sustain Americans like it did him.
Coldplay’s Sky Full of Stars song played afterwards - it was his son Beau’s favourite song. Coldplay’s Chris Martin performed at Beau’s funeral in 2015 after he lost his battle with brain cancer.
Harris pays tribute to Biden, mum and black women
Harris appeared before Biden, delivering an empowering message about “protecting our democracy”.
“Protecting our democracy takes struggle, it takes sacrifice but there is joy in it, and there is progress. Because we, the people, have the power to build a better future,” she told a roaring crowd.
“When our very democracy is on the ballot in this election with the very soul of America at stake and the world watching, you ushered in a new day for America.”
She expressed her gratitude to Americans for turning out in “record numbers to make your voices heard”.
“For four years, you marched and organised for equality and justice, for our lives and for our planet and then, you voted. And you delivered a clear message. You chose hope and unity, decency, science and, yes, truth.
“You chose Joe Biden as the next President of the United States of America.”
Vice president-elect Harris then thanked her mother.
“And to the woman most responsible for my presence here today - my mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, who is always in our hearts.
“When she came here from India at the age of 19, maybe she didn’t quite imagine this moment. But she believed so deeply in America where a moment like this is possible.
“So I’m thinking about her and about the generations of women, Black women, Asian, White, Latina, and Native American women throughout our nation’s history who have paved the way for this moment tonight.”
“Women who fought and sacrificed so much for equality and liberty and justice for all. Including the Black women who are often, too often, overlooked it so often prove they are the backbone of our democracy.”
Harris detailed what Biden would bring to the table for the country, including his passion for his family and the love he has for his wife and kids.
“It is his love for Jill who will be an incredible first Lady. It is his love for Hunter and Ashley and his grandchildren and the entire Biden family..
“We are so grateful to Joe and Jill for welcoming our family into theirs on this incredible journey.”
In a powerful message that saw the crowd erupt further, Harris encouraged the children of America to “dream with ambition”.
“Lead with conviction. And see yourselves in a way that others may not, simply because they have never seen it before. But know that we will applaud you every step of the way.”
Biden surpassed the 270 threshold needed to secure the presidency, winning key battleground state of Pennsylvania.
Jubilant scenes played out in New York, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and other cities after the state of Pennsylvania, and therefore the White House, was declared for the Democratic challenger overnight.
Just blocks from the White House, in the area now named Black Lives Matter plaza, hundreds of people danced and celebrated while music blasted.
Biden supporters danced to the Village People’s YMCA – a song which was featured heavily at Donald Trump rallies.
People handed out champagne to revellers as a giant rat with the likeness of Donald Trump made its way through the crowd.
Huge crowds celebrated on Saturday (local time) outside a security fence erected to surround the White House as the sound of booming fireworks was heard in the distance.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
