Citing a Catholic hymn, Biden says he now embarks on God's work with the American people
From CNN's Josiah Ryan
President-elect Joe Biden concluded his speech this evening by citing a popular Catholic hymn "On Eagles' Wings," saying it was a favorite of his deceased son Beau and has inspired him through the final days of the campaign.
He said he hoped the song would give comfort to the many Americans who are grieving a loved one as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
On Eagle's Wings "captures the faith that sustains me and which I believe sustains America, and a hope, and I hope it can provide some comfort and solace to the 230,000 Americans who have lost a loved one due to this terrible virus this year," said Biden, who is a practicing Catholic.
"My heart goes out to each and every one of you," he said. "Hopefully this hymn gives you solace as well."
He then recited the words of the song: "He will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn and make you to shine like the sun and hold you in the palm of his hand."
"Now together, on eagle's wings we embark on the work that God and history has called upon us to do," said Biden. "With full hearts and steady hands, with faith in America and in each other, with love country and a thirst for justice, let us be the country we know we can be."
Tonight's fireworks include a subtle reminder of Biden's son Beau
From CNN's Arlette Saenz
As fireworks light up the sky here at the Chase Center, there is a subtle reminder that Beau Biden looms large over his father’s win tonight.
One of the songs that played — “Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay — was by one of Beau Biden’s favorite bands. At his funeral in 2015, Coldplay’s Chris Martin performed “'Til Kingdom Come.” Martin offered to perform after learning that Beau was a fan.
“Sky Full of Stars” also played during the fireworks show after Joe Biden accepted the Democratic nominee this summer.
He also made reference to Beau tonight when he talked about his love of the hymn “On Eagle’s Wings.”
Biden and Harris joined on stage with their families following speeches
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris were joined on stage following their speeches in Wilmington, Delaware, tonight by their families.
Biden was seen kissing his grandchildren and hugging his family as fireworks exploded overhead. A series of drones also flew overhead and made the shape of the US and "BIDEN."
Biden: I believe at our best "America's a beacon for the globe"
From CNN's Maureen Chowdhury
"We must restore the soul of America," Joe Biden said while addressing the nation as president-elect.
"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," Biden said.
"Tonight the whole world is watching America, and I believe that 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," Biden said.
Biden to Trump voters: "This is the time to heal in America"
President-elect Joe Biden sent a message to those who voted for President Trump, calling for unity and reconciliation.
"Now for all those of you who voted for President Trump, I understand your disappointment tonight. I've lost a couple of times myself, but now let's give each other a chance," Biden said.
The former vice president said it was time both sides "listen to each other again."
"It's time to put away the harsh rhetoric, lower the temperature, see each other again, listen to each other again, and to make progress, we have to stop treating our opponents as our enemies. They are not our enemies. They are Americans," Biden said.
He continued: "The Bible tells us for everything there is a season, a time to build, a time to reap, and a time to sow and a time to heal. This is the time to heal in America."
Biden: "The people of this nation have spoken"
From CNN's Josiah Ryan
President-elect Joe Biden opened his speech in Wilmington, Delaware, this evening saying the American people had made their choice clear.
"The people of this nation have spoken they've delivered us a clear victory, a convincing victory, a victory for we the people," he said.
"We've won with the most votes ever cast on a presidential ticket in the history of the nation," he added. "74 million."
He went on to say he was surprised by the celebrating in the streets across the country calling it an "outpouring of joy, of hope, renewed faith in tomorrow to bring another day."
"I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me," Biden added.
Biden: "Once again, America's bent the arc of the moral universe more towards justice"
The last thing President-elect Joe Biden wants to hear is that "it's not possible in the United States," he said during his first speech since being elected to the country's top office earlier today.
"We're reminded tonight of those who fought so hard for so many years to make this happen. Once again, America's bent the arc of the moral universe more towards justice," Biden said.
Biden went on to praise the poll workers who toiled tirelessly since Nov. 3 to count millions of ballots.
"To all those of you volunteered and worked the polls in the middle of this pandemic, local elected officials, you deserve a special thanks from the entire nation," he added.
Joe Biden to American educators: You'll have one of your own in the White House with the first lady
From CNN's Maureen Chowdhury
President-elect Joe Biden thanked his wife and future first lady Jill Biden in is address to the nation from Wilmington, Delaware.
"I'm Jill's husband. And I would not be here without her love," Biden said.
He highlighted her background as an educator and a military mother.
"Jill's a military mom, an educator. She's dedicated her life to education, but teaching isn't just what she does. It's who she is. For American educators, this is a great day for you all. You going to have one of your own in the White House. And Jill will make a great first lady. I'm so proud of her," Biden said.
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Harris honors her mother's journey in victory speech: "I am thinking about her and the generations of women"
From CNN's Leinz Vales
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris said she reflects on the "struggle" and "determination" of women in America, including her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan.
“When she came here from India at the age of 19, she maybe didn’t quite imagine this moment,” Harris said during her opening remarks. “But she believed so deeply in America where a moment like this is possible.”
She continued:
“So I am thinking about her and about the generations of women, Black women, Asian, White, Latina, Native American women, who through out our nations’ history have paved the way to 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 but so often proven they are the backbone of our democracy. All the women who have worked to secure and protect the right to vote for over a century, 100 years ago with the 19th Amendment. Fifty five years ago with the Voting Rights Act, and now in 2020, with a new generation of women in our country who cast their ballots and continued the fight for their fundamental right to vote and be heard."
"Tonight, I reflect on their struggle, their determination, and the strength of their vision to see what can be unburdened by what has been. And I stand on their shoulders," Harris added.
Harris will become the nation’s first Black and South Asian vice president, and first woman to hold that office.
"What a testament it is to Joe's character, that he had the audacity to break one of the most substantial barriers that exist in our country and select a woman as his vice president," Harris said of President-elect Joe Biden.
Harris: "But while I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last"
History was not lost on Kamala Harris tonight during her opening remarks as the first woman to become vice president-elect in the US.
"But while I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last," Harris said tonight in Delaware.
She added: "Because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities and to the children of our country regardless of your gender, our country has sent you a clear message: Dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see yourselves in a way that others may not simply because they've never seen it before. But know that we will applaud you every step of the way."
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Harris to Americans: "You chose hope and unity, decency, science, and yes, truth"
From CNN's Maureen Chowdhury
Addressing the nation for the first time as vice president-elect, Kamala Harris thanked the American voters and organizers.
"To the American people who make up our beautiful country, thank you for turning out in record numbers to make your voices heard," she said.
"I know times have been challenging. Especially the last several months. The grief, sorrow, and pain, the worries and the struggles, but we have also witnessed your courage, your resilience and the generosity of your spirit. For four years, you marched and organized 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," Harris said.
Harris is the first woman, the first woman of color, the first Black person and the first South Asian to be elected vice president of the United States.
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Harris says Americans "ushered in a new day"
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris invoked the life and legacy of the late Rep. John Lewis during her opening remarks tonight, reminding Americans that "democracy is not guaranteed."
Democracy is "only as strong as our willingness to fight for it," Harris said.
"To guard it and never take it for granted," she added from Wilmington, Delaware. "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."
Harris added: "And when our very democracy was 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."
Harris' speech comes less than 10 hours after CNN projected Joe Biden's victory in Pennsylvania, putting him over the 270 electoral vote threshold needed for the presidency.
Harris will be the nation’s first Black and South Asian vice president, and first woman to hold that office.
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Biden and Harris will soon address the nation
From CNN's Arlette Saenz
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will soon address the nation at the Chase Center in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.
Biden’s central message will be one of unity, advisers say. His remarks thematically draw from the final major speeches from his campaign – in Gettysburg and Warm Springs, Georgia, advisers say, as he urges Americans to come together and promises to be a president for all Americans.
His speech has been written for some time, but adjustments have been made as the week has progressed.
In case you missed it: It was Biden's boyhood state of Pennsylvania that put him over the 270 electoral vote threshold today and delivered the White House.
Harris, a senator from California, will make history as the first woman, the first Black person and the first person of South Asian descent to become vice president.
Biden's projected presidential victory comes 48 years to the day of first Senate win
From CNN's Leinz Vales
As Americans across the United States prepare to watch President-elect Joe Biden’s victory speech, CNN’s Arlette Saenz highlighted the significance of the day he was projected the winner.
“It was 48 years ago today that Joe Biden first won his Senate seat here in Delaware and now 48 years later he’s heading to the White House,” Saenz said at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware.
Some background: Biden, who was Delaware's longest serving senator, was elected to office in 1972. He was first elected to the Senate at age 29, defeating Republican Sen. J. Caleb Boggs and would win reelection in 1978, 1984, 1990, 1996 and 2002.
CNN's Arlette Saenz reports:
Democratic candidate in runoff race says he's confident Georgia will solidify "its status as a blue state"
From CNN's Leinz Vales
On the night of Joe Biden’s projected victory over President Trump, Democrat Senate candidate Raphael Warnock said he’s confident that the President-elect will win Georgia and he will win his runoff with Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler.
“There is no question that Georgia is well on its way to solidifying its status as a blue state,” Warnock told CNN’s Erin Burnett. “We’ve been working on this for years. The other side knows it. That’s why they’ve been engaged for voter suppression for so long. We saw record voter turnout. 1.8 million Democrats showed up and showed out more than ever and we saw it again in this election. And I think our side is going to be very energized to show up for the January 5th.”
Warnock, who is a reverend and leader of Atlanta’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, said his campaign website has received an uptick in internet traffic since Election Day.
“My campaign is fueled by ordinary people because that is who I’m standing up for,” Warnock said.
Georgia's other Senate runoff race will be between Republican Sen. David Perdue and Democrat Jon Ossoff
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Biden found out that he won the race from his grandchildren, source says
From CNN's Arlette Saenz
President-elect Joe Biden spent the majority of his time at home today with his family – taking in the moment they’ve worked for together for years.
In fact, it was his grandchildren who were the ones who informed him that the race was called in his favor, a source on the campaign says.
This photo posted by his oldest granddaughter Naomi was taken shortly after he learned he was now President-elect:
11.07.20 pic.twitter.com/HHVJMmIoAW
— Naomi Biden (@NaomiBiden) November 7, 2020
Biden's central message tonight will be one of unity
From CNN's Arlette Saenz
When he addresses the nation for the first time as President-elect, Joe Biden’s central message will be one of unity, advisers say.
His remarks thematically draw from the final major speeches from his campaign – in Gettysburg and Warm Springs, Georgia, advisers say, as he urges Americans to come together and promises to be a president for all Americans.
His speech has been written for some time, but adjustments have been made as the week has progressed.
Here's what one of Biden's first actions as President will be, Democratic senator says
From CNN's Adrienne Vogt
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar said that President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will work on building a “big coalition” to unite Democratic and GOP lawmakers.
“I was buoyed by people like Mitt Romney and some of the Republicans who are coming out and making very clear they believe in our democracy. And I think that's going to be really important when the celebrating ends, that the hard work begins. And that's going to be my point when I do talk to Joe and Kamala in person … They're going to have to build a big coalition and I am ready to help,” she said.
Biden has not reached out to her about a possible position in his Cabinet, the 2020 Democratic presidential candidate said.
Klobuchar said Biden has told her that will reach across the aisle to bring Democrats and Republicans together.
“One of the first things he's going to do in these next few weeks will be calling Democratic and Republican governors, calling Democratic and Republican members of Congress to start talking about what he needs to do and getting advice on things. That's what he does. I don't think you saw Donald Trump doing a lot of that. You’re going to see Joe Biden doing a lot of that,” she said.
Biden will “seize, yes, the celebration today but also the hard work of governing,” she added. “We can't wait anymore to do something about the pandemic and the economy — and to do something about climate change and immigration reform — he knows that.”
Klobuchar also spoke about Sen. Kamala Harris becoming America's first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president-elect.
“Kamala, of course, as she has said, stands on the shoulders of so many, including Geraldine Ferraro and including Shirley Chisholm and… certainly Hillary Clinton have made this attempt before. … I can't wait to see her tonight and mostly [to] see her lead,” Klobuchar said.
Georgia's Fulton County rescanning work from Friday after discovering a reporting issue
From CNN’s Jason Morris
Fulton County, Georgia, officials are rescanning their work from Friday after discovering a reporting issue, according to Walter Jones, spokesperson for Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.
“Fulton County has discovered an issue involving reporting from their work on Friday. Officials are at State Farm Arena to rescan their work from Friday. The Secretary of State has a monitor onsite, has sent additional investigators, and dispatched the Deputy Secretary of State as well to oversee the process to make sure to thoroughly secure the vote and protect all legal votes. Observers from both political parties are there as well," Jones said in the statement.
The Georgia Secretary of State’s office didn’t provide additional details beyond the statement. CNN has reached out to Fulton County for details.
Biden will do what needs to be done to get the pandemic under control, New York physician says
From CNN's Leinz Vales
As cities across the United States erupt in celebration after the projected victory of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, a physician in New York City told CNN’s Polo Sandoval that she’s “thrilled” to have a leader who will take the coronavirus pandemic seriously.
“I’m a pediatrician and can I not tell you, I’m not a single-issue voter, but the pandemic, I mean, just seeing how this pandemic ravaged our city, I am so thrilled that we’re going to have a leader who is going to take this pandemic and do what needs to be done — what needs to be done in the city and in the country so that we can get it under control," she said.
What we know: Biden plans to announce his 12-person coronavirus task force on Monday, two sources with knowledge told CNN.
The task force will reportedly be lead by three cochairs: Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner David Kessler and Yale University’s Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith.
WATCH:
Here's a timeline of what will happen between now and Inauguration Day
Analysis by Zachary B. Wolf and Will Mullery
We've sketched out the legal mechanisms that lead from Election Day to Inauguration Day.
Here's a timeline of what happens after Election Day:
- Nov. 3: While many millions of Americans cast their ballots in the weeks leading up to Election Day, either by mail or as an in-person absentee voter, US law says Election Day occurs on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Votes were counted across the country on Election Day.
- Nov. 4 — 23: Mail-in ballots had to be postmarked by Nov. 3 in every US state, but they can be received late and still counted in many states.
- Nov. 10 – Dec. 11: States certify election results.
- Dec. 8: Under the Electoral Count Act, this is the date by which states are meant to have counted votes, settled disputes, and determined the winner of their electoral college votes. Governors are supposed to create certificates of ascertainment listing the winner of the election and the slate of electors.
- Dec. 14: Electoral votes are cast. In law this date is the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December. This year it falls on Dec. 14.
- Dec. 23: The electoral votes must arrive in Washington. The certified electoral votes have nine days to get from their states to Capitol Hill.
- Jan. 3: Members of the House and new members of the Senate take the oath of office at noon. This is the official start of the 117th Congress.
- Jan. 6: Members of the House and the Senate all meet in the House chamber. The President of the Senate (that’s Vice President Mike Pence) presides over the session and the Electoral votes are read and counted in alphabetical order by two appointees each from the House and Senate. They then give their tallies to Pence, who announces the results and listens for objections. There are 538 electoral votes — one for each congressman and senator plus three for Washington, DC. If no candidate gets 270, the 435 members of the House decide the election. The House has until noon on January 20 to pick the President. If they can't, it would be the vice president or the next person eligible in the line of presidential succession.
- Jan. 20: A new president takes the oath of office at noon on Inauguration Day.
Boston crowd sings "We Are the Champions" at rally
From CNN’s Christina Zdanowicz
Emerson College student journalist Andrew Brinker captured the mood as crowds sang “We Are the Champions” at Boylston and Charles streets in Boston.
“A lot of people saying they’re feeling relief after the last four years,” Brinker wrote to CNN. “Tons of young people in this crowd. At one point we had at least 1,000 people here. Also to note, lots of folks saying they don’t have to worry now about having a president that’s attacking their fundamental human rights.”
Now it’s We are the Champions. Again, topical pic.twitter.com/KbOvScRI6H
— Andrew Brinker (@andrewnbrinker) November 7, 2020
How Biden's popular vote margin has grown
From CNN's Jennifer Agiesta
If you want to put some numbers around how Joe Biden’s popular vote margin is growing, here’s an interesting way to slice it. As of 6 a.m., Wednesday, the national popular vote looked like this:
- Biden: 68,084,882 votes, 50.1%
- Trump: 65,634,738 votes, 48.3%
Everything that has been counted since 6 a.m., Wednesday looks like this:
- Biden: 6,414,007 votes, 55.4%
- Trump: 4,709,002 votes, 40.6%
That’s with about 147 million votes cast, so there are likely around 10 million more to count.
Family says historic Biden-Harris win prompted them to join DC celebration with their daughters
From CNN's Adrienne Vogt
A family said they were motivated to bring their two small daughters to celebrate the projected win of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.
“We’re excited to be here to celebrate democracy today. And we brought our half-Indian girls here. They’re too young to vote, but they can be part of the process and they can see that a woman can make it to the White House — and a half-Indian woman can make it to the White House,” their mother told CNN’s Vivian Salama at Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington DC.
Harris is America's first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president-elect.
Watch the moment:
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