'Victory Declaration' Biden: "Unity, Not Division... Will Be President for All Americans" (Comprehensive)

Public Address After Surpassing 270 Electors
Harris' First Public Speech After Presidential Election... "Biden Is a Figure Who Can Heal and Unite"

▲President-elect Joe Biden (second from right in the front row) and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris (third from left in the front row) are greeting supporters during a public address held in Wilmington, Delaware. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] President-elect Joe Biden of the United States expressed his victory speech by stating, "I will be a president who pursues unity, not division." He emphasized that he will end the divisions that grew during the presidential election period and become the president of all Americans.

On the 7th (local time), during a national address held on an outdoor stage at the Chase Center Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware, he said, "I will strive to earn the trust of all Americans," adding, "I will work to restore the spirit of America, rebuild the middle class, and make America a country respected worldwide once again."

His victory declaration came without a concession statement from the defeated President Donald Trump.

Biden emphasized, "Nothing is impossible for America. Once again, America has become a just country," and "We will come together again for all Americans." He mentioned, "Those who supported President Trump may be disappointed, but it is time to put the conflicts of the campaign behind us and give each other a chance," adding, "We must not treat each other as enemies. We are all Americans."

During his speech, Biden also extended a hand to the Republican Party. He said, "The practice of seeing the other side as the devil must stop immediately," and "The Democratic and Republican parties have always cooperated. If we have chosen not to cooperate in recent years, now we can choose to cooperate." He further stated, "Our duty is to accept the demands of the American people and cooperate," and "I ask all members of both the Democratic and Republican parties to join in making that choice."

Immediately after his election, Biden mentioned the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as his first task. He said, "The election is over. As the president-elect, my duty is to spread courtesy, fairness, science, and hope," emphasizing, "We have a duty to end COVID-19, end racial discrimination, and strengthen our healthcare system." He added, "We must start by suppressing the COVID-19 situation," and "To recover the economy, we must save lives."

Biden stressed that to achieve this, on the 9th, he will appoint infectious disease experts and scientists to key positions in the transition team and will begin efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 starting from his inauguration on January 20 next year.

During his speech, he referred to himself as "Jill Biden's husband," expressing gratitude to his wife. He also expressed thanks to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, calling her "the first female vice president, as well as the descendant of South Asian and Black heritage," and stated, "Nothing is impossible for America."

His wife, Jill Biden, and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her spouse attended the speech.

Vice President-elect Harris, who spoke before Biden, wore a white suit and smiled broadly, waving both hands enthusiastically to supporters, expressing joy.

In her first public speech after the election, she referenced the late Congressman John Lewis's statement that "Democracy is not a choice but an action," explaining, "This means democracy is never guaranteed." She emphasized the significance of this election by saying, "The spirit of America was at stake, and the largest number of citizens in history opened a new era for America through this election."

Harris described Biden as "a figure who can heal and unite," and said, "Together with him, we will end the COVID crisis, save lives, recover the economy, overcome racial discrimination, and respond to the climate crisis starting now."

As the first female vice president, Harris also raised her voice about the role of women. She said, "My mother, Shyamala Harris, came to America from India at the age of 19," and "When she came to America, she probably did not anticipate this moment."

▲Kamala Harris, the Vice President-elect who will become the first female Vice President in U.S. history [Image source=AP News]

She continued, "But my mother certainly knew that such a moment would come to America," expressing gratitude by saying, "This moment was possible because of the women who fought to uphold the 19th Amendment, the women who chose to vote this time, and those who have shown the will to continue fighting to protect voting rights." She added, "I will be the first female vice president, but I will not be the last," expressing hope that women's political participation will continue to increase.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.