In his first speech since officially being declared the winner of the 2020 election, President-elect Joe Biden is vowing to work to win the confidence of all Americans.
“The people of this nation have spoken, they’ve delivered us a clear victory. A convincing victory. A victory for we the people. We’ve won with the most votes ever cast for a presidential ticket in the history of the nation,” Biden said.
He continued to say he was “surprised” by the thousands of Americans who took to the streets to celebrate his victory, “I’m humbled by the trust and confidence you’ve placed in me.”
“I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide but unify. Who doesn’t see red states and blue states, only sees the United States. And work with all my heart with the confidence of the whole people to win the confidence of all of you,” he added.
Watch the video below:
#BREAKING: President-elect Joe Biden: "I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide — but unify." pic.twitter.com/93XYGhqrKv
— The Hill (@thehill) November 8, 2020
Biden returned to one of his main campaign themes as he said, “We must restore the soul of America. Our nation is shaped by the constant battle between our better angels and our darkest impulses, and what presidents say in this battle matters. It’s time for our better angels to prevail.”
President-elect Joe Biden: “We must restore the soul of America. Our nation is shaped by the constant battle between our better angles and our darkest impulses and what presidents say in this battle matters. It’s time for our better angels to prevail.” https://t.co/dV9BINisLm pic.twitter.com/5b99tAkFbt
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) November 8, 2020
“Tonight, the whole world is watching America, and I believe at our best America is a beacon for the globe. We will lead not only by the example of our power but by the power of our example,” he said.
Finally, Biden said, “To those of you who supported President Trump, I understand your disappointment. I’ve lost a couple times myself. But let’s give each other a chance.”
“It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric,” he added.
In her first speech since the presidential election was called for Biden, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris said, “When our very democracy was on the ballot in this election, with the very soul of America at stake and the whole world watching, you ushered in a new day for America.”