President issues statement saying ‘election is far from over’
Cheering could be heard across New York City after race called
Donald Trump rejected the outcome of the 2020 election and promised further legal challenges as Democrats and liberal groups celebrated Joe Biden’s victory.
Trump, who was at his golf course in Northern Virginia when the race was called, issued a statement continuing to attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the election with unfounded accusations of widespread voter fraud.
“This election is far from over,” Trump said. “Joe Biden has not been certified as the winner of any states, let alone any of the highly contested states headed for mandatory recounts, or states where our campaign has valid and legitimate legal challenges that could determine the ultimate victor.”
Networks and the Associated Press called the race on Saturday after Biden won Pennsylvania. Biden’s Twitter account was swiftly updated to identify him as the “president-elect.”
“I am honored and humbled by the trust the American people have placed in me and in Vice President-elect Harris,” Biden said in a statement, referring to his running mate, California Senator Kamala Harris.
Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff, tweeted a photo of him embracing his wife. “So proud of you,” he wrote.
Trump’s allies, led by his attorney Rudy Giuliani, held a news conference in Philadelphia, where they complained that Trump’s supporters were unable to observe ballot counting as closely as they wanted.
“The mainstream media — on behalf of their Democrat pals — are trying to convince the American people this is already over,” said Representative Jody Hice of Georgia, a Republican. “It’s not!”
But GOP leaders in the Senate were largely silent. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky’s last tweeted on Friday, saying: “Every legal vote should be counted. Any illegally-submitted ballots must not.”
Spontaneous celebrations erupted on the streets of cities including New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles after news organizations called the race over. There were cheers and honking horns across New York City, including outside Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
A large crowd gathered outside the White House. Several could be seen drinking champagne while throngs of people cheered and cars honked in celebration.
Crowds are gathering at the #BLM Plaza in Washington, D.C. after Joe Biden won the U.S. presidential election pic.twitter.com/8Pyg4NAIJy
— Bloomberg QuickTake (@QuickTake)
November 7, 2020
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, said in a statement that Biden’s victory “marks the dawning of a new day of hope for America.”
Former Vice President Al Gore said Biden’s victory “marks the beginning of a new commitment to self-government by, of and for all of our people.”
Ben Jealous, president of the liberal group People For the American Way, said Biden’s victory “affirms the people’s commitment to our core values under the most trying of circumstances.”
“Americans have soundly rejected the bigotry and divisiveness of the Trump years and chosen leaders who stand for opportunity and dignity for all people,” Jealous said.
Cedric Richmond, a co-chair of Biden’s campaign, called the result “a great sense of relief.”
“Relief that we did it, that we won. Relief that the country will head in a better direction,” Richmond said.
Compiled by assistance by Jennifer Jacobs, Emma Kinery, Laura Davison, and Steven T. Dennis
