thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-07--Barack Obama Congratulates Joe Biden And Kamala Harris: 'Couldn't Be Prouder'

I could not be prouder to congratulate our next President , Joe Biden , and our next First Lady , Jill Biden .
I also couldn ’ t be prouder to congratulate Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff for Kamala ’ s groundbreaking election as our next Vice President .
In this election , under circumstances never experienced , Americans turned out in numbers never seen .
And once every vote is counted , President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris will have won a historic and decisive victory .
We ’ re fortunate that Joe ’ s got what it takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that way .
Because when he walks into the White House in January , he ’ ll face a series of extraordinary challenges no incoming President ever has ― a raging pandemic , an unequal economy and justice system , a democracy at risk , and a climate in peril .
I know he ’ ll do the job with the best interests of every American at heart , whether or not he had their vote .
So I encourage every American to give him a chance and lend him your support .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the country remains deeply and bitterly divided .
It will be up to not just Joe and Kamala , but each of us , to do our part ― to reach out beyond our comfort zone , to listen to others , to lower the temperature and find some common ground from which to move forward , all of us remembering that we are one nation , under God .
Finally , I want to thank everyone who worked , organized , and volunteered for the Biden campaign , every American who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and everybody who voted for the first time .
Your efforts made a difference .
Enjoy this moment .
Then stay engaged .
I know it can be exhausting .
But for this democracy to endure , it requires our active citizenship and sustained focus on the issues ― not just in an election season , but all the days in between .
Our democracy needs all of us more than ever .
And Michelle and I look forward to supporting our next President and First Lady however we can .

I could not be prouder to congratulate our next President, Joe Biden, and our next First Lady, Jill Biden.
I also couldn’t be prouder to congratulate Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff for Kamala’s groundbreaking election as our next Vice President.
In this election, under circumstances never experienced, Americans turned out in numbers never seen. And once every vote is counted, President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris will have won a historic and decisive victory.
We’re fortunate that Joe’s got what it takes to be President and already carries himself that way. Because when he walks into the White House in January, he’ll face a series of extraordinary challenges no incoming President ever has ― a raging pandemic, an unequal economy and justice system, a democracy at risk, and a climate in peril.
I know he’ll do the job with the best interests of every American at heart, whether or not he had their vote. So I encourage every American to give him a chance and lend him your support. The election results at every level show that the country remains deeply and bitterly divided. It will be up to not just Joe and Kamala, but each of us, to do our part ― to reach out beyond our comfort zone, to listen to others, to lower the temperature and find some common ground from which to move forward, all of us remembering that we are one nation, under God.
Finally, I want to thank everyone who worked, organized, and volunteered for the Biden campaign, every American who got involved in their own way, and everybody who voted for the first time. Your efforts made a difference. Enjoy this moment. Then stay engaged. I know it can be exhausting. But for this democracy to endure, it requires our active citizenship and sustained focus on the issues ― not just in an election season, but all the days in between.
Our democracy needs all of us more than ever. And Michelle and I look forward to supporting our next President and First Lady however we can.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-07--The Nation’s Capital Parties Following Donald Trump's Defeat

At the center of the activity were three blocks of 16th Street heading straight to the White House ― an area now known as Black Lives Matter Plaza .
Nearly everyone wore masks as they listened to “ FDT ” by YG and Nipsey Hussle on repeat in the same spot where protesters were tear-gassed this summer so Trump could have a photo-op with a Bible .
Thousands of people turned out on the unseasonably warm fall day to breathe a sigh of relief that Trump would finally be out of the White House .
Some popped bottles of Champagne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speakers .
A man who only identified himself as Ken drove from Annapolis , Maryland , to participate in the celebration once he heard that Biden had become the president-elect .
“ I felt triumphant , ” the 55-year-old , who said he has been a Republican his entire life , told HuffPost .
“ I don ’ t know what I would have done had Trump won .
I would have been really depressed , so I ’ m really happy.
” Arika Johnson , a Black gay former member of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military because of Trump ’ s divisiveness .
“ [ Biden ] will unify us .
It ’ s not about hate anymore , ” she said .
“ We need to hold his feet to the fire , so he does everything he says he ’ s gon na do.
” She said she believed Biden would take the coronavirus pandemic more seriously than Trump has .
“ I want to see him help with COVID , ” Johnson said .
“ We need some policies in there to make sure we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is healthy again.
” The coronavirus pandemic has so far killed more than 237,000 Americans , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
Biden has promised to prioritize getting the pandemic under control and is set to announce a coronavirus task force on Monday , according to multiple reports .
Julius Olalusi and Seun Babalola said they came down to Black Lives Matter Plaza to serve as DJs for the growing crowd as soon as they heard the news about Biden .
“ This is an extremely new day in America .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news , and it was more than enough reason to celebrate , ” said Olalusi , 25 .
“ And there ’ s nothing more unifying than music.
” The mood could not have been more different from the day after the election in 2016 .
At that time , D.C. ― which overwhelmingly went for Hillary Clinton ― felt like it was in mourning , with even the weather gray and overcast .
Other supporters outside the White House were elated by the fact that Harris , a graduate of Howard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graduate to ever hold the position of vice president .
Many Black women were wearing apparel relating to Harris ’ sorority , Alpha Kappa Alpha .
“ I just feel like [ things are ] possible now , ” said Grier , 31 .
“ We need more funding .
We need more representation , and it ’ s possible because we now have a vice president who is an HBCU grad and my soror.
” “ There ’ s a perception that you can ’ t get to the highest levels if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ve reached it with Kamala , ” said Theo , 33 .
“ It signifies that the Democratic Party is listening and not taking all the Black votes for granted .
”

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WASHINGTON — As soon as media outlets called the 2020 presidential election for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, thousands of excited supporters flocked to the streets of the nation’s capital to express their joy.
The city ― which overwhelmingly voted for Biden ― was jubilant. Cars honked as people shouted and cheered, holding signs celebrating Biden’s win and gloating about Donald Trump’s defeat.
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At the center of the activity were three blocks of 16th Street heading straight to the White House ― an area now known as Black Lives Matter Plaza. Nearly everyone wore masks as they listened to “FDT” by YG and Nipsey Hussle on repeat in the same spot where protesters were tear-gassed this summer so Trump could have a photo-op with a Bible.
Thousands of people turned out on the unseasonably warm fall day to breathe a sigh of relief that Trump would finally be out of the White House. Some popped bottles of Champagne, others danced to music blaring from speakers.
Even former members of the Republican Party came out to celebrate.
A man who only identified himself as Ken drove from Annapolis, Maryland, to participate in the celebration once he heard that Biden had become the president-elect.
“I felt triumphant,” the 55-year-old, who said he has been a Republican his entire life, told HuffPost. “I don’t know what I would have done had Trump won. I would have been really depressed, so I’m really happy.”
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Ken drove from Annapolis, Maryland, to participate in the celebration in Washington, D.C., once he heard that Joe Biden had become the president-elect. Philip Lewis/HuffPost
Arika Johnson, a Black gay former member of the Coast Guard, said she left the military because of Trump’s divisiveness. “[Biden] will unify us. It’s not about hate anymore,” she said. “We need to hold his feet to the fire, so he does everything he says he’s gonna do.”
She said she believed Biden would take the coronavirus pandemic more seriously than Trump has. “I want to see him help with COVID,” Johnson said. “We need some policies in there to make sure we’re staying safe and the country is healthy again.”
Everett Hines, a Black man from D.C., also said he hoped Biden would be able to tamp down the raging pandemic.
“He’s gonna level it down, because he’ll take it seriously,” he said. “I think he’s gonna get that White House sterilized.”
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The coronavirus pandemic has so far killed more than 237,000 Americans, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Biden has promised to prioritize getting the pandemic under control and is set to announce a coronavirus task force on Monday, according to multiple reports.
Here’s the scene outside the White House right now pic.twitter.com/exDvtuEh6G — philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 7, 2020
Julius Olalusi and Seun Babalola said they came down to Black Lives Matter Plaza to serve as DJs for the growing crowd as soon as they heard the news about Biden.
“This is an extremely new day in America. Everybody woke up in D.C. and saw the news, and it was more than enough reason to celebrate,” said Olalusi, 25. “And there’s nothing more unifying than music.”
The mood could not have been more different from the day after the election in 2016. At that time, D.C. ― which overwhelmingly went for Hillary Clinton ― felt like it was in mourning, with even the weather gray and overcast.
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Theo Guidry and his wife, Gina, came to Black Lives Matter Plaza wearing a Morehouse College sweater and Alpha Kappa Alpha shirt. Philip Lewis/HuffPost
Other supporters outside the White House were elated by the fact that Harris, a graduate of Howard University, would become the first HBCU graduate to ever hold the position of vice president. Many Black women were wearing apparel relating to Harris’ sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha.
Ashlei Brown Grier, a Ph.D. student at Howard and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, said she hoped Harris’ momentous achievement would put a spotlight on the plight of HBCUs.
“I just feel like [things are] possible now,” said Grier, 31. “We need more funding. We need more representation, and it’s possible because we now have a vice president who is an HBCU grad and my soror.”
Theo Guidry and his wife, Gina, came to Black Lives Matter Plaza wearing a Morehouse College sweater and Alpha Kappa Alpha shirt, respectively.
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“There’s a perception that you can’t get to the highest levels if you go to an HBCU, but we’ve reached it with Kamala,” said Theo, 33. “It signifies that the Democratic Party is listening and not taking all the Black votes for granted.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-07--Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris Ushers In 'New Day For America' In Victory Speech

In her first public address as vice president-elect , Kamala Harris thanked voters on Saturday night for “ turning out in record numbers to make your voices heard ” and ushering in a “ new day for America.
” Speaking to supporters in Wilmington , Delaware , ahead of President-elect Joe Biden , Harris offered a glimpse into her and Biden ’ s hopeful vision for the country .
“ Now is when the real work begins .
The good work .
The necessary work .
The essential work ― to root out systemic racism in our justice system and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and to unite our country and heal the soul of our nation , ” she said .
Harris has made history as the first woman and person woman of color to be named vice president-elect .
In her speech , she remembered her mother ― Shyamala Gopalan Harris , a scientist and immigrant from India ― and paid tribute to the “ Black women , and Asian , white , Latina and Native American women , who throughout our nation ’ s history have paved the way for this moment tonight.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Harris said .
“ While I may be the first woman in this office , I will not be the last.
” VP-Elect Kamala Harris pays tribute to the women of color who “ have paved the way for this moment tonight — women who fought and sacrificed so much for equality , liberty and justice for all , including the Black women who are often — too often overlooked.
” https : //t.co/eJ4LLajSB6 pic.twitter.com/G5fCJd56iu — ABC News ( @ ABC ) November 8 , 2020 At last count , at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Harris — more than any presidential ticket in U.S. history .
“ I know times have been challenging , especially the last several months ... but we have also witnessed your courage , your resilience and the generosity of your spirit , ” she said .
“ For four years , you marched 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 and decency and science and , yes , truth.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for California since 2017 and was previously the state ’ s attorney general , described Biden as “ a healer , a uniter , a tested and steady hand ” who was up to the task of unifying a divided nation .
She described Biden as a “ person whose own experience of loss gives him a sense of purpose that will help us as a nation reclaim our own sense of purpose .
”

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In her first public address as vice president-elect, Kamala Harris thanked voters on Saturday night for “turning out in record numbers to make your voices heard” and ushering in a “new day for America.”
Speaking to supporters in Wilmington, Delaware, ahead of President-elect Joe Biden, Harris offered a glimpse into her and Biden’s hopeful vision for the country.
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“Now is when the real work begins. The good work. The necessary work. The essential work ― to root out systemic racism in our justice system and society, to combat the climate crisis, and to unite our country and heal the soul of our nation,” she said.
Harris has made history as the first woman and person woman of color to be named vice president-elect. In her speech, she remembered her mother ― Shyamala Gopalan Harris, a scientist and immigrant from India ― and paid tribute to the “Black women, and Asian, white, Latina and Native American women, who throughout our nation’s history have paved the way for this moment tonight.”
“I stand on their shoulders,” Harris said. “While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last.”
VP-Elect Kamala Harris pays tribute to the women of color who “have paved the way for this moment tonight — women who fought and sacrificed so much for equality, liberty and justice for all, including the Black women who are often — too often overlooked.” https://t.co/eJ4LLajSB6 pic.twitter.com/G5fCJd56iu — ABC News (@ABC) November 8, 2020
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Biden was named the projected winner of the election earlier on Saturday after amassing 279 electoral votes.
At last count, at least 74.5 million Americans had voted for Biden and Harris — more than any presidential ticket in U.S. history.
In her victory speech, Harris spoke directly to the American people.
“I know times have been challenging, especially the last several months ... but we have also witnessed your courage, your resilience and the generosity of your spirit,” she said. “For four years, you marched 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 and decency and science and, yes, truth.”
“You chose Joe Biden as the next president of the United States of America,” Harris added to loud cheers.
Harris, who has served as senator for California since 2017 and was previously the state’s attorney general, described Biden as “a healer, a uniter, a tested and steady hand” who was up to the task of unifying a divided nation.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-07--The Best Biden-Harris Merch To Wear While You Celebrate Victory

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will surpass the 270 electoral votes necessary to win the presidenctial election , multiple media @ @ @ @ @ .
After a painfully tight race and many days of telling ourselves to be patient @ @ @ @ @ Twitter , Biden ― who broke the record for most votes received in election history @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania , winning its 20 electoral votes and determining that — at least for now @ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign for recounts and a promise to dispute the decision — America will have @ @ @ @ @ .
For those wanting to commemorate the occasion , there is no shortage of merch @ @ @ @ @ calls for one more T-shirt to add to the collection .
Plus , most campaign @ @ @ @ @ perfect addition to our quarantine wardrobes .
We ’ ve found some of the best @ @ @ @ @ for you to ( safely , at home or outdoors with masks on ) celebrate @ @ @

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Prices and availability subject to change.
Well folks, it happened.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will surpass the 270 electoral votes necessary to win the presidenctial election, multiple media outlets projected on Saturday morning.
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After a painfully tight race and many days of telling ourselves to be patient while simultaneously and aggressively refreshing Twitter, Biden ― who broke the record for most votes received in election history — took the lead in Pennsylvania, winning its 20 electoral votes and determining that — at least for now, despite demands from the Trump campaign for recounts and a promise to dispute the decision — America will have a new president come January.
For those wanting to commemorate the occasion, there is no shortage of merch available. This moment certainly calls for one more T-shirt to add to the collection. Plus, most campaign merch is cozy ― a perfect addition to our quarantine wardrobes.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-07--Kamala Harris Elected As First Black, Asian American Vice President

Ahead of the election , Black women across the United States were pounding the pavement campaigning for Harris .
People in Harris ’ ancestral village of Thulasendrapuram , India , prayed for her and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden ’ s victory .
Howard University leaders also prayed for Harris and celebrated the historic moment at a special Election Day event .
The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority , Inc. hosted “ Stroll to the Polls ” to fight voter suppression and show support for Harris , their soror .
Though her name was second on the ballot to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 2020 election — at the height of an economic downturn , a pandemic and extreme racial tension — is especially significant .
Her win as vice president-elect matters so much , not only for America ’ s history , but for its future , too .
Harris had the audacity to fight for a seat in the White House while proudly leaning in to her identities .
In an interview with The Washington Post , Harris said that when she first ran for an office , she struggled with the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates to define themselves into neat boxes .
But now she doesn ’ t spend much time trying to categorize herself .
Harris , only the second Black woman in this country ’ s history to be elected a U.S. senator , kicked off her journey to the White House with a presidential bid of her own , and was among the most diverse class of Democratic presidential candidates ever .
Announcing her candidacy on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2019 , she ran on a platform of providing Dreamers a pathway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay equity along racial and gender lines .
She was one of the only candidates to dedicate room on her platform to the Black maternal mortality crisis .
She suspended her campaign on Dec. 3 , 2019 , citing a lack of funding .
But she got another chance to fight when Biden announced her as his running mate in August .
Harris ’ line sisters — the women who pledged her sorority with her — celebrated the announcement , then immediately got to work supporting her .
Lorri Saddler , who crossed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Howard University in 1986 , told HuffPost that she and her line sisters regularly host meetings and prayer calls ; Harris supports them through their various ups and downs as they support her .
Saddler , the dean of undergraduate admissions at Clark Atlanta University , said Harris ’ rise puts the significance of HBCUs and the Divine Nine historically Black fraternities and sororities in the national spotlight .
“ It speaks to the strength of the Divine Nine .
She ’ s one of all of us , not just one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s one of all of us , ” Saddler said .
“ I think at the core of all of us is service .
... And we are hearing that call and we are proceeding accordingly.
” Harris had a lot up against her on her road to the White House .
Her record as a longtime California prosecutor was called into question early , especially because her cases often greatly affected Black communities .
Her war on truancy led to the arrest of some parents .
This criticism came even before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reform the criminal justice system , causing Harris to defend her record in interviews and on the debate stage .
“ It is the job of candidates , like Kamala Harris , to be able to address that head-on .
And I do believe that , throughout the campaign , she was able , frankly , to introduce herself , “ Carr said .
“ Our elected leaders continue to need to talk about who they are , and what their vision is , and their experience .
And so that will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we move from campaigning to moving towards governing.
” The senator — who was born in Oakland , California , and was a part of the second class of students to integrate the state ’ s public schools — is undoubtedly a Black , Asian American woman .
None of her identities take away from her stake in one community or the other .
They emphasize how these groups are not a monolith .
Yet throughout the campaign , she was still treated like a Black woman — stereotyped , disrespected and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate , Trump referred to her as “ a monster , ” adding to the litany of nice-nasty microaggressions during her debate with Vice President Mike Pence , who consistently tried to railroad Harris with interruptions and lies .
Harris remained poised and gave America a glimpse of the firm conviction of a powerful Black woman .
Carr said the debate , despite its racist undertones , was one of Harris ’ most relatable performances during the campaign .
“ When she governs as the first and last person in the room with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring all of those identities with her into those rooms , ” Carr told HuffPost .
“ But she also is a reminder of the fact that there are conscious and unconscious biases of women , and women of color , and Black women .
And so when she , during the debates , said , ‘ I ’ m speaking .
I ’ m speaking ’ — every woman , regardless of race and ethnicity , has been in a position where they saw and felt that , and that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follows in the footsteps of the Black women who leveraged their political power for the betterment of themselves and their communities .
Now , the shirts that align Harris with Shirley Chisholm , Barbara Jordan and Harriet Tubman are a bit premature — but the sentiment that she stands on the shoulders of these women is spot-on .
Harris was able to break through because every Black woman , from Sojourner Truth to Stacey Abrams , risked their livelihoods to ensure that a new path was attainable for Harris and those coming after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women at the polls and in the streets who lead the country in political engagement .
“ Black women hold the power in this election , ” Harris wrote in Essence magazine .
“ That ’ s why generations of Black women marched and organized and fought to give us this right .
Many never got to vote themselves .
But they pressed on knowing that , one day , Black women would be a force in our democracy .
That , when it mattered most , we would be the ones to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s right : honesty and integrity , decency and dignity , equality and justice.
” Her job doesn ’ t end here , obviously .
Harris is a product of the villages that helped lift her up to this position .
Now , as she is set to take office as the first Black and Asian American female vice president , she has a duty to help lift up those communities — from those disenfranchised by the very system she works in to the other Black and Asian American women gearing up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make change .

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There are several villages that helped raise Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), who is now the first Black woman, Asian American, HBCU graduate, daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants to be elected vice president of the United States.
Ahead of the election, Black women across the United States were pounding the pavement campaigning for Harris. People in Harris’ ancestral village of Thulasendrapuram, India, prayed for her and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s victory. Howard University leaders also prayed for Harris and celebrated the historic moment at a special Election Day event. The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. hosted “Stroll to the Polls” to fight voter suppression and show support for Harris, their soror.
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Though her name was second on the ballot to Biden’s, Harris’ role in the 2020 election — at the height of an economic downturn, a pandemic and extreme racial tension — is especially significant. Her win as vice president-elect matters so much, not only for America’s history, but for its future, too.
Harris had the audacity to fight for a seat in the White House while proudly leaning in to her identities. In an interview with The Washington Post, Harris said that when she first ran for an office, she struggled with the fact that America’s election processes force candidates to define themselves into neat boxes. But now she doesn’t spend much time trying to categorize herself.
“I am who I am. I’m good with it. You might need to figure it out, but I’m fine with it.”
Harris' win as vice president-elect matters so much, not only for America’s history, but for its future, too.
Harris, only the second Black woman in this country’s history to be elected a U.S. senator, kicked off her journey to the White House with a presidential bid of her own, and was among the most diverse class of Democratic presidential candidates ever. Announcing her candidacy on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2019, she ran on a platform of providing Dreamers a pathway to citizenship, abortion rights, and pay equity along racial and gender lines. She was one of the only candidates to dedicate room on her platform to the Black maternal mortality crisis. She suspended her campaign on Dec. 3, 2019, citing a lack of funding. But she got another chance to fight when Biden announced her as his running mate in August.
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Harris’ line sisters — the women who pledged her sorority with her — celebrated the announcement, then immediately got to work supporting her. Lorri Saddler, who crossed AKA with Harris and 36 other women at Howard University in 1986, told HuffPost that she and her line sisters regularly host meetings and prayer calls; Harris supports them through their various ups and downs as they support her. Saddler, the dean of undergraduate admissions at Clark Atlanta University, said Harris’ rise puts the significance of HBCUs and the Divine Nine historically Black fraternities and sororities in the national spotlight.
“It speaks to the strength of the Divine Nine. She’s one of all of us, not just one of Alpha Kappa Alpha. She’s one of all of us,” Saddler said. “I think at the core of all of us is service. ... And we are hearing that call and we are proceeding accordingly.”
Kamala Harris addresses supporters at a drive-in rally in Philadelphia on Nov. 2, 2020. Carolyn Cole via Getty Images
Harris had a lot up against her on her road to the White House. Her record as a longtime California prosecutor was called into question early, especially because her cases often greatly affected Black communities. Her war on truancy led to the arrest of some parents. This criticism came even before the nationwide call to defund the police and reform the criminal justice system, causing Harris to defend her record in interviews and on the debate stage.
But Glynda Carr, the national director at Higher Heights, a political action committee dedicated to electing more Black women at the federal and state levels, told HuffPost that as Harris takes office, she will continue to address this criticism and do the work to gain the trust of those communities.
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“It is the job of candidates, like Kamala Harris, to be able to address that head-on. And I do believe that, throughout the campaign, she was able, frankly, to introduce herself,“ Carr said. “Our elected leaders continue to need to talk about who they are, and what their vision is, and their experience. And so that will be her work in the next 100 days as we move from campaigning to moving towards governing.”
Harris’ identity also became an issue, even in a country that claims it’s a “melting pot.” Trump, yet again, stoked the birtherism flame as he questioned whether she was born in the United States.
The senator — who was born in Oakland, California, and was a part of the second class of students to integrate the state’s public schools — is undoubtedly a Black, Asian American woman. None of her identities take away from her stake in one community or the other. They emphasize how these groups are not a monolith.
Yet throughout the campaign, she was still treated like a Black woman — stereotyped, disrespected and disregarded. And after the vice presidential debate, Trump referred to her as “a monster,” adding to the litany of nice-nasty microaggressions during her debate with Vice President Mike Pence, who consistently tried to railroad Harris with interruptions and lies. Harris remained poised and gave America a glimpse of the firm conviction of a powerful Black woman. Carr said the debate, despite its racist undertones, was one of Harris’ most relatable performances during the campaign.
“When she governs as the first and last person in the room with Joe Biden, she’s going to bring all of those identities with her into those rooms,” Carr told HuffPost. “But she also is a reminder of the fact that there are conscious and unconscious biases of women, and women of color, and Black women. And so when she, during the debates, said, ‘I’m speaking. I’m speaking’ — every woman, regardless of race and ethnicity, has been in a position where they saw and felt that, and that was a coalescing point for her.”
Advertisement
Harris follows in the footsteps of the Black women who leveraged their political power for the betterment of themselves and their communities. Now, the shirts that align Harris with Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Jordan and Harriet Tubman are a bit premature — but the sentiment that she stands on the shoulders of these women is spot-on. Harris was able to break through because every Black woman, from Sojourner Truth to Stacey Abrams, risked their livelihoods to ensure that a new path was attainable for Harris and those coming after her. That includes the Black American women at the polls and in the streets who lead the country in political engagement.
“Black women hold the power in this election,” Harris wrote in Essence magazine. “That’s why generations of Black women marched and organized and fought to give us this right. Many never got to vote themselves. But they pressed on knowing that, one day, Black women would be a force in our democracy. That, when it mattered most, we would be the ones to mobilize our communities and vote for what’s right: honesty and integrity, decency and dignity, equality and justice.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-07--Artist Takes Giant Anti-Trump Sculpture On Dumpster, Junkyard 'Tour Of Shame'

Dutch artist Arjen van Lith protested against President Donald Trump in the final days of the 2020 election by taking a giant golden sculpture of Trump ’ s head on a “ tour of shame ” around the junkyards , dumpsters and car cemeteries in his current home city of Pittsburgh .
“ As a ( legal ) immigrant , I am not allowed to vote in the United States , but I can still make a political statement .
Think of this as my yard sign , ” van Lith told HuffPost via email on Friday .
The 7-foot-tall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” took about a year to design and build from 3-millimeter-thick corrugated plastic , he said .
It ’ s a nod to both the Confederate monuments toppled during the summer ’ s racial justice protests and the traditional statues of Russian dictators like Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin .
“ It ’ s actually quite light .
Only difficult to handle , since it ’ s the size of a small car , ” van Lith explained .
“ I guess I ’ m one of the few people who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head .
I can assure you , there ’ s nothing there.
” “ With this sculpture I tried to show what Trump really is : a megalomaniacal , narcissistic , wannabe authoritarian , ” van Lith said .
The artist said he was always careful to have it photographed on its side next to trash , making sure it looked “ defeated.
” “ I don ’ t want people to see it as a tribute to Trump , ” he added .

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Dutch artist Arjen van Lith protested against President Donald Trump in the final days of the 2020 election by taking a giant golden sculpture of Trump’s head on a “tour of shame” around the junkyards, dumpsters and car cemeteries in his current home city of Pittsburgh.
“As a (legal) immigrant, I am not allowed to vote in the United States, but I can still make a political statement. Think of this as my yard sign,” van Lith told HuffPost via email on Friday.
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Teake Zuidema
Teake Zuidema
The 7-foot-tall artwork, titled “Individual #1,” took about a year to design and build from 3-millimeter-thick corrugated plastic, he said. It’s a nod to both the Confederate monuments toppled during the summer’s racial justice protests and the traditional statues of Russian dictators like Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin.
“It’s actually quite light. Only difficult to handle, since it’s the size of a small car,” van Lith explained. “I guess I’m one of the few people who has literally spent hours inside Trump’s head. I can assure you, there’s nothing there.”
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Teake Zuidema
Teake Zuidema
“With this sculpture I tried to show what Trump really is: a megalomaniacal, narcissistic, wannabe authoritarian,” van Lith said.
The artist said he was always careful to have it photographed on its side next to trash, making sure it looked “defeated.”
“I don’t want people to see it as a tribute to Trump,” he added.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-07--After Trump’s Defeat, His Supporters Held A Heavily Armed Pity Party

The rally outside the state Capitol was in stark contrast to the joyous celebrations seen across the globe , including in the president ’ s hometown of New York City , where residents took over the streets to sing , dance and drink Champagne .
In Harrisburg , a ghoulish and cruel coalition of gun-toting MAGA extremists — who have enjoyed four years of being emboldened and condoned by the president ― gathered for hours to participate in the shared delusion that their guy hadn ’ t really lost the White House .
They arrived around noon , immediately attempting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pro-democracy progressives who had just heard the news that their preferred candidate , Democrat Joe Biden , had won Pennsylvania and was therefore the new president-elect .
As the Biden supporters danced on the steps , the MAGA crowd yelled “ Stop the steal !
” — a common chant at right-wing rallies across the country this week , part of a coordinated campaign to falsely allege Biden was winning because of widespread voter fraud .
As I approached the dueling demonstrations , I was immediately accosted by Jonathan Lee Riches , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MAGA hat and a T-shirt emblazoned with symbols of the Proud Boys , a violent neo-fascist street gang .
He repeated the white nationalist slogan “ It ’ s OK to be white ” as he started to film me , demanding that I denounce “ antifa.
” Police eventually told the MAGA crowd that it needed to move its demonstration to the other side of the building .
The protesters obliged , waving their MAGA flags and Thin Blue Line flags along the way .
Once assembled there , Rep. Jim Mueser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widely believed to be eyeing a run for governor , took hold of a megaphone and spoke to the crowd about how the results of the election were illegitimate .
He was surrounded by fascists .
To his left , a man waved a flag for the anti-Semitic white nationalist movement known as America First .
To his right , a man clad in black held a sign that read “ Standing Back And Standing By For Our President ” — a reference to when Trump , asked at a debate to condemn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ stand back and stand by.
” Far-right extremists have been a fixture of Trump rallies over the last four years , but it ’ s still hard to overstate how many were in Harrisburg on Saturday .
The place was crawling with them .
A man in sunglasses , who had a collared shirt tucked into his khakis , stood silently watching the MAGA rally .
He held a mug in his right hand with the logo of America First , the white nationalist group whose founder marched in the deadly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally in Charlottesville , Virginia .
Another man took hold of the megaphone before telling the crowd that it was time to “ free Kyle ” — a reference to the 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse , a Trump supporter charged with shooting and killing two people at an anti-racism protest in Wisconsin in August .
Armed militias were also in the city .
They carried long guns and wore bulletproof vests .
Some were members of a Pennsylvania chapter of the Three Percenters ; others were followers of the militia-world influencer Daryl Stevens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview with Fox News , and told various people in the crowd that the Supreme Court would eventually deliver the presidency back to Trump and that “ antifa and Black Lives Matter are both terrorist organizations.
” An armed man at a protest in Harrisburg on Saturday .
About 2,000 people gathered in the Pennsylvania state capital to show support for President Donald Trump after it was announced that he had lost the 2020 presidential election .
Also in the crowd were believers in QAnon , a pro-Trump conspiracy movement based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as “ Q ” who claims to be a senior government official with access to information about a globalist cabal of pedophiles waging war against the president .
Despite many massive worldwide celebrations of Trump ’ s defeat Saturday , the demonstration in Harrisburg — along with similar pro-Trump rallies in Michigan and Minnesota and Oregon — offered sobering evidence that the fascist political movement the president has cultivated during his sole term in the White House is still hopelessly devoted to him , and that America will be dealing with the MAGAverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is inaugurated in 74 days .
After the sun set in Harrisburg , and as people began to leave the Capitol building , a man on Third Street sat in an RV papered over with some of the MAGA merchandise he sells at Trump rallies across the country : posters reading “ Fire The Lockdown Liberal ” or featuring an illustration of Trump standing atop a tank holding a machine gun .

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HARRISBURG, Pa. — After news networks declared President Donald Trump the loser of the 2020 election on Saturday, about 2,000 of his supporters gathered here in the capital of Pennsylvania — a must-win state the president lost — for a heavily armed pity party.
The rally outside the state Capitol was in stark contrast to the joyous celebrations seen across the globe, including in the president’s hometown of New York City, where residents took over the streets to sing, dance and drink Champagne.
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Hundreds of people — some armed — gathered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Saturday to show their anger that Joe Biden had been declared the winner of the 2020 election. Spencer Platt via Getty Images
In Harrisburg, a ghoulish and cruel coalition of gun-toting MAGA extremists — who have enjoyed four years of being emboldened and condoned by the president ― gathered for hours to participate in the shared delusion that their guy hadn’t really lost the White House.
They arrived around noon, immediately attempting to disrupt a permitted protest organized by pro-democracy progressives who had just heard the news that their preferred candidate, Democrat Joe Biden, had won Pennsylvania and was therefore the new president-elect.
They’re dancing on the PA capitol steps in Harrisburg pic.twitter.com/nQZH4a5y8o — Christopher Mathias (@letsgomathias) November 7, 2020
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As the Biden supporters danced on the steps, the MAGA crowd yelled “Stop the steal!” — a common chant at right-wing rallies across the country this week, part of a coordinated campaign to falsely allege Biden was winning because of widespread voter fraud.
As I approached the dueling demonstrations, I was immediately accosted by Jonathan Lee Riches, a notorious troll. He wore a red MAGA hat and a T-shirt emblazoned with symbols of the Proud Boys, a violent neo-fascist street gang. He repeated the white nationalist slogan “It’s OK to be white” as he started to film me, demanding that I denounce “antifa.”
Police eventually told the MAGA crowd that it needed to move its demonstration to the other side of the building. The protesters obliged, waving their MAGA flags and Thin Blue Line flags along the way.
Once assembled there, Rep. Dan Mueser (R-Pa.), a Trump fan widely believed to be eyeing a run for governor, took hold of a megaphone and spoke to the crowd about how the results of the election were illegitimate.
He was surrounded by fascists. To his left, a man waved a flag for the anti-Semitic white nationalist movement known as America First. To his right, a man clad in black held a sign that read “Standing Back And Standing By For Our President” — a reference to when Trump, asked at a debate to condemn the Proud Boys, instead told them to “stand back and stand by.”
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GOP Rep. Jim Mueser is talking to the MAGA crowd in Harrisburg while a guy waves a white nationalist America First flag to his left, and a guy on his right holds a “Standing Back and Standing By For My President” sign, a Proud Boys reference pic.twitter.com/FT6SpmQIUh — Christopher Mathias (@letsgomathias) November 7, 2020
Far-right extremists have been a fixture of Trump rallies over the last four years, but it’s still hard to overstate how many were in Harrisburg on Saturday. The place was crawling with them.
A man in sunglasses, who had a collared shirt tucked into his khakis, stood silently watching the MAGA rally. He held a mug in his right hand with the logo of America First, the white nationalist group whose founder marched in the deadly 2017 “Unite The Right” fascist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
When I asked him about the mug, and to identify himself, he looked back at me silently.
Another man took hold of the megaphone before telling the crowd that it was time to “free Kyle” — a reference to the 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse, a Trump supporter charged with shooting and killing two people at an anti-racism protest in Wisconsin in August.
Armed militias were also in the city. They carried long guns and wore bulletproof vests. Some were members of a Pennsylvania chapter of the Three Percenters; others were followers of the militia-world influencer Daryl Stevens, aka “Angry Viking.”
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Stevens did an interview with Fox News, and told various people in the crowd that the Supreme Court would eventually deliver the presidency back to Trump and that “antifa and Black Lives Matter are both terrorist organizations.”
The militiamen weren’t the only ones with guns. Multiple Trump supporters could be spotted carrying sidearms throughout the day.
An armed man at a protest in Harrisburg on Saturday. About 2,000 people gathered in the Pennsylvania state capital to show support for President Donald Trump after it was announced that he had lost the 2020 presidential election. Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Also in the crowd were believers in QAnon, a pro-Trump conspiracy movement based on online posts by an anonymous person known as “Q” who claims to be a senior government official with access to information about a globalist cabal of pedophiles waging war against the president.
Many people wore QAnon pins or hats or T-shirts, and the crowd often broke into chants of “Joe Biden is a pedophile!” — a baseless accusation popular among the QAnon faithful.
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Despite many massive worldwide celebrations of Trump’s defeat Saturday, the demonstration in Harrisburg — along with similar pro-Trump rallies in Michigan and Minnesota and Oregon — offered sobering evidence that the fascist political movement the president has cultivated during his sole term in the White House is still hopelessly devoted to him, and that America will be dealing with the MAGAverse and all its delusions long after Biden is inaugurated in 74 days.
Trump supporters, QAnon believers and members of far-right militia groups gathered outside the Pennsylvania state Capitol, falsely claiming that Biden had won the election due to widespread voter fraud. Spencer Platt via Getty Images
After the sun set in Harrisburg, and as people began to leave the Capitol building, a man on Third Street sat in an RV papered over with some of the MAGA merchandise he sells at Trump rallies across the country: posters reading “Fire The Lockdown Liberal” or featuring an illustration of Trump standing atop a tank holding a machine gun.
The man, who refused to identify himself, told me that without Trump, America would fall into the hands of globalists who would turn it into a “third-world country.”
When I asked him if he was worried about losing business if Biden took over in the White House, he gave a one-word answer: “Nope.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-07--Joe Biden Promises 'Time To Heal' In Victory Speech

“ I pledge to be a president who does not seek to divide , but unify , who doesn ’ t see red states or blue states , only sees the United States , ” the 77-year-old Biden said while accepting a job he has sought , on and off , for the last 32 years .
“ The Bible tells us that to everything there is a season — a time to build , a time to reap , a time to sow .
And a time to heal .
This is the time to heal in America.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered in Wilmington , Delaware , in front of a crowd of socially distanced supporters who regularly cheered and honked their horns in support , that he has two major priorities : slowing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic , as well as reuniting a country torn apart by heavily polarized politics , continued systemic racism and Trump ’ s harsh rhetoric .
He promised to unveil a task force of top advisers on the pandemic Monday , and has previously promised to aggressively expand testing capacity once in office .
The pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed to contain , has roared to new levels in recent weeks .
The United States has had record case numbers on each of the last three days .
“ That plan will be built on a bedrock of science .
It will be constructed out of compassion , empathy and concern , ” he said .
“ I will spare no effort — or commitment — to turn this pandemic around.
” Biden boasted he had put together the “ broadest , most diverse coalition in history ” in order to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandate to use his time in office “ to marshal the forces of science and the forces of hope in the great battles of our time ” — to fight climate change and racism , as well as to defend democracy and to secure health care .
Biden , who had previously expressed hopes of replicating the transformative presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt , is likely to find his chances for major legislation constrained when he takes office in January .
Democrats lost seats in the U.S. House and no longer have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate .
“ It ’ s time to put away the harsh rhetoric , to lower the temperature , to see each other , to listen to each other again , ” Biden said .
“ To make progress , we must stop treating our opponents as our enemy.
” The president-elect celebrated after the speech with members of his family , including his son Hunter , who the Trump campaign targeted in the closing weeks of the campaign over his foreign business entanglements .
The family of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined them , and Biden joked that they had become “ honorary Bidens.
” In the closing moments of the speech , Biden worked yet again to display empathy , dedicating a hymn popular among Catholics — “ On Eagle ’ s Wings ” — to the families of more than 230,000 Americans who died from the coronavirus pandemic .
“ And He will raise you up on eagle ’ s wings/bear you on the breath of dawn/make you to shine like the sun/and hold you in the palm of His hand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read live updates on the election below .
( Note : An ad blocker may prevent you from seeing the blog , so if you ’ re using one , please pause or turn it off . )

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President-elect Joe Biden accepted the job Saturday night in a victory speech from his home state of Delaware, promising to rebuild a country torn apart by multiple crises after four years of chaotic rule from President Donald Trump.
“I pledge to be a president who does not seek to divide, but unify, who doesn’t see red states or blue states, only sees the United States,” the 77-year-old Biden said while accepting a job he has sought, on and off, for the last 32 years. “The Bible tells us that to everything there is a season — a time to build, a time to reap, a time to sow. And a time to heal. This is the time to heal in America.”
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Scroll down or click here for updates from HuffPost’s election live blog.
Biden made clear in the speech, delivered in Wilmington, Delaware, in front of a crowd of socially distanced supporters who regularly cheered and honked their horns in support, that he has two major priorities: slowing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as reuniting a country torn apart by heavily polarized politics, continued systemic racism and Trump’s harsh rhetoric.
He promised to unveil a task force of top advisers on the pandemic Monday, and has previously promised to aggressively expand testing capacity once in office. The pandemic, which Trump’s administration has failed to contain, has roared to new levels in recent weeks. The United States has had record case numbers on each of the last three days.
“That plan will be built on a bedrock of science. It will be constructed out of compassion, empathy and concern,” he said. “I will spare no effort — or commitment — to turn this pandemic around.”
The speech reflected the successful campaign Biden had run — one centered around “restoring the soul of America” and reclaiming the presidency from a man Biden believed lacked empathy and decency.
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Biden boasted he had put together the “broadest, most diverse coalition in history” in order to win key swing states. He claimed a mandate to use his time in office “to marshal the forces of science and the forces of hope in the great battles of our time” — to fight climate change and racism, as well as to defend democracy and to secure health care.
He also directly addressed Trump supporters: “I understand your disappointment tonight. I’ve lost a couple of times myself,” Biden said, referring to his failed presidential bids in 1988 and 2008. “But let’s give each other a chance.”
President-elect Joe Biden addressing the nation. ANGELA WEISS via Getty Images
Biden, who had previously expressed hopes of replicating the transformative presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, is likely to find his chances for major legislation constrained when he takes office in January. Democrats lost seats in the U.S. House and no longer have a chances to build a sizable majority in the Senate.
“It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric, to lower the temperature, to see each other, to listen to each other again,” Biden said. “To make progress, we must stop treating our opponents as our enemy.”
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Biden did not directly address his defeated opponent. Trump has yet to concede the election, and he continues to make false claims about voter fraud.
The president-elect celebrated after the speech with members of his family, including his son Hunter, who the Trump campaign targeted in the closing weeks of the campaign over his foreign business entanglements. The family of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, joined them, and Biden joked that they had become “honorary Bidens.”
In the closing moments of the speech, Biden worked yet again to display empathy, dedicating a hymn popular among Catholics — “On Eagle’s Wings” — to the families of more than 230,000 Americans who died from the coronavirus pandemic.
“And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings/bear you on the breath of dawn/make you to shine like the sun/and hold you in the palm of His hand,” he said, quoting the hymn.
“And now, together — on eagle’s wings — we embark on the work that God and history have called upon us to do.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-07--Joe Biden Just Gave A Totally Normal Political Speech — And It Felt So Radical

“ But now , let ’ s give each other a chance , ” Biden said to a drive-in crowd at the Chase Center in Wilmington , Delaware .
“ It ’ s time to put away the harsh rhetoric .
To lower the temperature .
To see each other again .
To listen to each other again .
To make progress , we must stop treating our opponents as our enemy .
We are not enemies .
We are Americans.
” “ The Bible tells us that to everything there is a season — a time to build , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sow .
And a time to heal .
This is the time to heal in America , ” he said .
The rhetoric was actually fairly standard for presidents , who traditionally try to heal the country and bring everyone together in a time of crisis .
He didn ’ t gloat about the size of his win , even though he received more votes than any other presidential candidate in history .
Instead , he said he was “ humbled by the trust and confidence ” voters placed in him and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeks not to divide , but to unify.
” He didn ’ t make fun of anyone , instead saying the nation needed to make the “ promise of the country real for everybody — no matter their race , their ethnicity , their faith , their identity , or their disability.
” He promised to “ marshal the forces of science and the forces of hope ” to fight the coronavirus , instead of dismissing every piece of scientific advice he ’ s received .
Trump ’ s victory speech in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also said it was “ time for us to come together as one united people ” and claimed that he wanted to “ bind the wounds of division.
” But the difference was that it was clear he didn ’ t mean it .
That speech was out of step with everything else he had said while campaigning for president , and it wasn ’ t anything like his next major speech , when he was inaugurated .
“ From this moment on , it ’ s going to be America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech .
He went off on “ crime and gangs and drugs ” and vowed to stop this “ American carnage.
” He said he would “ unite the civilized world against Radical Islamic Terrorism.
” Biden , in contrast , ran on his character and compassion .
The speech was just like the others he has given over the years and the work he has done in his long career in public service .
Many people complain that politicians all sound the same .
They make nice promises and say the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver .
There ’ s no doubt that Biden has significant challenges ahead of him , ones that he likely will have to undertake as the first president in more than 30 years who will take office without his party controlling Congress .

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Joe Biden greeted the nation as president-elect for the first time Saturday night, calling for decency, compassion and a fair shot for all.
He offered an olive branch to supporters of President Donald Trump, saying he understood their disappointment.
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“But now, let’s give each other a chance,” Biden said to a drive-in crowd at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware. “It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric. To lower the temperature. To see each other again. To listen to each other again. To make progress, we must stop treating our opponents as our enemy. We are not enemies. We are Americans.”
“The Bible tells us that to everything there is a season — a time to build, a time to reap, a time to sow. And a time to heal. This is the time to heal in America,” he said.
The rhetoric was actually fairly standard for presidents, who traditionally try to heal the country and bring everyone together in a time of crisis.
But it felt completely radical after four years of Trump.
Biden never mentioned Trump, aside from telling his supporters he knew they weren’t feeling great Saturday night.
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He never called to lock him up.
He didn’t gloat about the size of his win, even though he received more votes than any other presidential candidate in history. Instead, he said he was “humbled by the trust and confidence” voters placed in him and promised to be a president “who seeks not to divide, but to unify.”
He didn’t make fun of anyone, instead saying the nation needed to make the “promise of the country real for everybody — no matter their race, their ethnicity, their faith, their identity, or their disability.”
He didn’t lie.
He didn’t encourage conspiracy theories or white supremacists.
He promised to “marshal the forces of science and the forces of hope” to fight the coronavirus, instead of dismissing every piece of scientific advice he’s received.
Trump’s victory speech in 2016 was actually one of his most tame. He also said it was “time for us to come together as one united people” and claimed that he wanted to “bind the wounds of division.”
But the difference was that it was clear he didn’t mean it. That speech was out of step with everything else he had said while campaigning for president, and it wasn’t anything like his next major speech, when he was inaugurated.
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“From this moment on, it’s going to be America First,” Trump promised in that speech. He went off on “crime and gangs and drugs” and vowed to stop this “American carnage.” He said he would “unite the civilized world against Radical Islamic Terrorism.”
Biden, in contrast, ran on his character and compassion. The speech was just like the others he has given over the years and the work he has done in his long career in public service.
Many people complain that politicians all sound the same. They make nice promises and say the right things, but then don’t deliver.
There’s no doubt that Biden has significant challenges ahead of him, ones that he likely will have to undertake as the first president in more than 30 years who will take office without his party controlling Congress.
But for now, not joking about attacking reporters or making racist comments was something new and refreshing.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-08--Hamburglar Stars In Prank Calls Swamping Trump's Voter Fraud Hotline

A Donald Trump campaign hotline set up to gather any dirt anywhere on baseless charges of voter fraud has been flooded with prank calls by people making up tall tales or laughing uproariously , ABC News reported Saturday .
Alex Hirsch , creator of the “ Gravity Falls ” cartoon , called Friday to report a suspicious character sounding very much like McDonald ’ s Hamburlgar stealing votes .
Or maybe it was antifa , Hirsch suggested .
He asked to speak to Trump ’ s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani before a staffer who took the call hung up on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intended to unearth a mountain of cases Trump hoped to take to court to reverse Joe Biden ’ s win .
Instead , the hotline has become a “ nightmare ” for many staffers , including several whose contracts are up in a few days with the election over , sources told ABC .
Prank-calling the hotline has become a trend on TikTok .
Hirsch also called in the voice of one of his own characters , Grunkle Stan Pines , boasting that he stole a sack of votes .
He demanded that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hirsch passed on the hotline number for anyone else who wanted to get in on the action .
I ’ m don ’ t want to tell anyone what to do , but if you felt like calling this number and , say , reporting the Hamburglar , I can confirm from personal experience that it would be very funny https : //t.co/GIRoHn6jAa — Alex Hirsch ( @ _AlexHirsch ) November 7 , 2020

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A hotline set up by President Donald Trump’s campaign to gather any dirt on baseless charges of voter fraud has been flooded with prank calls by people making up tall tales or laughing uproariously, ABC News reported Saturday.
Alex Hirsch, creator of the “Gravity Falls” cartoon, called Friday to report a suspicious character sounding very much like McDonald’s Hamburglar stealing votes. Or maybe it was “antifa,” Hirsch suggested. He asked to speak to Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, before the staffer who took the call hung up on him.
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I...may just do this all night pic.twitter.com/OFtKDeMBqE — Alex Hirsch (@_AlexHirsch) November 7, 2020
The voter fraud hotline was intended to unearth a mountain of cases Trump hoped to take to court to reverse President-elect Joe Biden’s win. Instead, the hotline has become a “nightmare” for many staffers, including several whose contracts are up in a few days with the election over, sources told ABC.
Prank-calling the hotline has become a trend on TikTok.
Hirsch also called in the voice of one of his own characters, Grunkle Stan Pines, boasting that he stole a sack of votes. He demanded that “Rudy” give him a medal.
Hirsch passed on the hotline number for anyone else who wanted to get in on the action.
Hahaha can hear how exhausted they are already pic.twitter.com/zoa4HiLaEj — Alex Hirsch (@_AlexHirsch) November 7, 2020
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-08--Ocasio-Cortez Strikes Cautious Tone After Biden Win, Speaks Of Divisions Among Dems

Democrat Joe Biden may be the president-elect , but Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-N.Y. ) says she remains uncertain as to what the future holds for the nation — and the Democratic Party .
Speaking to The New York Times on Saturday , Ocasio-Cortez , who convincingly won reelection this week with more than 68 % of the vote in New York ’ s 14th District , criticized leaders and other elements of her party for being distrustful of her and other more progressive members — who , she argued , have been pivotal in winning votes and candidates for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of historically forgetting about grassroots movements and activists once elections are over .
She said it ’ s left to be seen whether the Biden administration will behave any differently ; but if they don ’ t , she warned , the party ’ s future will be bleak .
“ I don ’ t know how open they ’ ll be , ” Ocasio-Cortez told the Times when asked how welcoming she believed Biden would be to more progressive politics .
“ And it ’ s not a personal thing .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party tends to be that we get really excited about the grassroots to get elected .
And then those communities are promptly abandoned right after an election.
” “ It ’ s really hard for us to turn out nonvoters when they feel like nothing changes for them .
When they feel like people don ’ t see them , or even acknowledge their turnout , ” she added .
“ The Democrats have to make it clear to the far left that they almost cost ” Biden the election , Kasich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this country are basically center , center right , center left .
They ’ re not far left and they ’ re also not far right.
” Ocasio-Cortez lambasted Kasich for his remarks and pointed to examples of how more progressive elements of the Democratic Party had helped win critical votes in battleground states like Arizona , Michigan and Georgia .
She added in a follow-up tweet that she and other progressive candidates have , for the past two years , “ been unseating powerful Dem incumbents supported by DCCC , ” referring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet no one in the party had ever asked her what weaknesses she saw in the committee ’ s operation .
One thing I ’ ll say : for the last two years , I and progressive candidates have been unseating powerful Dem incumbents supported by DCCC .
Not *once* has anyone in the party asked me what weaknesses I ’ ve found in their operation .
If they stop blaming progressives , we can help .
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( @ AOC ) November 7 , 2020 “ If the party believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , after Black organizers just doubled and tripled turnout down in Georgia , after so many people organized Philadelphia , the signal from the Democratic Party is the John Kasichs won us this election ?
I mean , I can ’ t even describe how dangerous that is , ” she said .
The congresswoman went on to admit that she had almost not run for reelection this year ― in part because of a “ lack of support ” from the Democratic Party , which she said seemed to perceive her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this movement was real .
That I wasn ’ t a fluke .
That people really want guaranteed health care and that people really want the Democratic Party to fight for them , ” she said .

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Democrat Joe Biden may be the president-elect, but Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) says she remains uncertain as to what the future holds for the nation — and the Democratic Party.
Speaking to The New York Times on Saturday, Ocasio-Cortez, who convincingly won reelection this week with more than 68% of the vote in New York’s 14th District, criticized leaders and other elements of her party for being distrustful of her and other more progressive members — who, she argued, have been pivotal in winning votes and candidates for the party.
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She also accused Democrats of historically forgetting about grassroots movements and activists once elections are over. She said it’s left to be seen whether the Biden administration will behave any differently; but if they don’t, she warned, the party’s future will be bleak.
“I don’t know how open they’ll be,” Ocasio-Cortez told the Times when asked how welcoming she believed Biden would be to more progressive politics. “And it’s not a personal thing. It’s just, the history of the party tends to be that we get really excited about the grassroots to get elected. And then those communities are promptly abandoned right after an election.”
If Biden’s administration follows this pattern, “I’d be bummed, because we’re going to lose,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
“It’s really hard for us to turn out nonvoters when they feel like nothing changes for them. When they feel like people don’t see them, or even acknowledge their turnout,” she added.
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Earlier on Saturday, Ocasio-Cortez called out former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican and Biden ally, on Twitter for saying the “far-left” had threatened Biden’s presidential campaign.
“The Democrats have to make it clear to the far left that they almost cost” Biden the election, Kasich told CNN. “That people in this country are basically center, center right, center left. They’re not far left and they’re also not far right.”
Ocasio-Cortez lambasted Kasich for his remarks and pointed to examples of how more progressive elements of the Democratic Party had helped win critical votes in battleground states like Arizona, Michigan and Georgia.
Anyone saying this after immigrant organizers delivered AZ, Black grassroots flipped Georgia, MI going blue w reality-bending 94% Detroit margin + @RashidaTlaib running up the margins in her district & Trump publicly challenging @IlhanMN in MN and losing isn’t a serious person. https://t.co/2FtJzqGki8 — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) November 7, 2020
She added in a follow-up tweet that she and other progressive candidates have, for the past two years, “been unseating powerful Dem incumbents supported by DCCC,” referring to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee — yet no one in the party had ever asked her what weaknesses she saw in the committee’s operation.
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“If they stop blaming progressives, we can help,” she said.
One thing I’ll say: for the last two years, I and progressive candidates have been unseating powerful Dem incumbents supported by DCCC.
Not *once* has anyone in the party asked me what weaknesses I’ve found in their operation.
If they stop blaming progressives, we can help. — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) November 7, 2020
Ocasio-Cortez echoed these sentiments in her interview with the Times.
“If the party believes after 94 percent of Detroit went to Biden, after Black organizers just doubled and tripled turnout down in Georgia, after so many people organized Philadelphia, the signal from the Democratic Party is the John Kasichs won us this election? I mean, I can’t even describe how dangerous that is,” she said.
The congresswoman went on to admit that she had almost not run for reelection this year ― in part because of a “lack of support” from the Democratic Party, which she said seemed to perceive her as “the enemy.”
In the end, however, she said she chose to run to “prove that this is real.”
“That this movement was real. That I wasn’t a fluke. That people really want guaranteed health care and that people really want the Democratic Party to fight for them,” she said.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-08--President Will Start 'Breaking Things... With A Vengeance,' Mary Trump Warns

President Donald Trump , infuriated by an election loss he ’ s refusing to acknowledge , will have “ meltdowns upon meltdowns ” until he leaves the White House , his niece Mary Trump warned in an op-ed in The Guardian Sunday .
Trump is “ not going to concede .
...
He ’ s not going to engage in the normal activities that guarantee a peaceful transition .
All he ’ s got now is breaking stuff , and he ’ s going to do that with a vengeance , ” she wrote .
She argued that Trump has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his life but has never before lost anything either .
He “ thinks that even if you steal and cheat to win , you deserve to win , ” said Mary Trump , a psychologist who wrote the Donald Trump tell-all book “ Too Much and Never Enough.
” The irony is that the tactics the president used to cheat may have doomed his race , Mary Trump said .
Republicans heeded the president ’ s warning not to vote by mail , so he was subjected to a “ slow drip-drip of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were counted , she said .
“ It must have been like slow torture , but he set up this failure for himself.
” The next months could be “ dangerous , ” she warned .
Donald Trump will do nothing about COVID-19 , escalating the death toll , she argued He ’ ll also “ go as far as he can to delegitimize the new administration , then he ’ ll pass pardons that will demoralize us — and sign a flurry of executive orders , ” Mary Trump predicted .
Though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finances and taxes , that ’ s not what the narcissist-in-chief is most concerned about , Mary Trump said .
The “ worst thing Donald ’ s looking at isn ’ t financial difficulties or the prospect of jail , ” she said .
“ It ’ s becoming irrelevant .
I don ’ t think he would ever recover from that .
”

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President Donald Trump, infuriated by an election loss he’s refusing to acknowledge, will have “meltdowns upon meltdowns” until he leaves the White House, his niece Mary Trump warned in an op-ed in The Guardian Sunday.
Trump is “not going to concede. ... He’s not going to engage in the normal activities that guarantee a peaceful transition. All he’s got now is breaking stuff, and he’s going to do that with a vengeance,” she wrote.
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She argued that Trump has never won anything “legitimately” in his life but has never before lost anything either.
He “thinks that even if you steal and cheat to win, you deserve to win,” said Mary Trump, a psychologist who wrote the Donald Trump tell-all book “Too Much and Never Enough.”
The irony is that the tactics the president used to cheat may have doomed his race, Mary Trump said. Republicans heeded the president’s warning not to vote by mail, so he was subjected to a “slow drip-drip of disaster” as mail ballots from Democrats were counted, she said. “It must have been like slow torture, but he set up this failure for himself.”
The next months could be “dangerous,” she warned. Donald Trump will do nothing about COVID-19, escalating the death toll, she argued
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He’ll also “go as far as he can to delegitimize the new administration, then he’ll pass pardons that will demoralize us — and sign a flurry of executive orders,” Mary Trump predicted.
Though Donald Trump faces ongoing investigations into suspect finances and taxes, that’s not what the narcissist-in-chief is most concerned about, Mary Trump said.
The “worst thing Donald’s looking at isn’t financial difficulties or the prospect of jail,” she said. “It’s becoming irrelevant. I don’t think he would ever recover from that.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-08--Biden Campaign Urges Supporters To Follow COVID-19 Guidelines While Celebrating

President-elect Joe Biden ’ s campaign is urging its supporters to practice social distancing and wear masks while celebrating his election victory after crowds flooded the streets of some cities a day earlier to revel in the historic moment .
“ I know folks are excited , ” Symone Sanders , a senior adviser to the Biden campaign , told CNN ’ s “ State of the Union.
” “ But we ’ re imploring folks across the country to be safe , wear your mask , social distance .
This virus is very real and it ’ s deadly.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cheered and partied in cities across the country and the world on Saturday after media outlets projected Biden as the winner of the election .
In some areas , including in front of the White House , Biden supporters were seen standing shoulder to shoulder , flouting coronavirus social distancing guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Still , video and photos of the celebrations showed the vast majority of participants wearing masks , a practice some public health officials have dubbed the most important step to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans accused Biden supporters of being hypocritical for gathering in large crowds to celebrate after calling out President Donald Trump for holding massive campaign rallies amid the pandemic .
Sanders said Sunday that the Biden-Harris presidential transition team would announce a COVID-19 task force on Monday that will “ operationalize ” the campaign ’ s plan to address the coronavirus crisis .
“ Joe Biden is going to make good on his promises on the campaign trail , ” Sanders said .
Biden Campaign Senior Adviser Symone Sanders : `` On Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will operationalize the Biden-Harris campaign plan to address COVID into a plan that the government can use . ''
pic.twitter.com/JObbZFfrBV — The Recount ( @ therecount ) November 8 , 2020 The 12-member task force will reportedly be co-chaired by former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and will include former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner David Kessler and Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith of Yale University .

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President-elect Joe Biden’s campaign is urging its supporters to practice social distancing and wear masks while celebrating his election victory after crowds flooded the streets of some cities a day earlier to revel in the historic moment.
“I know folks are excited,” Symone Sanders, a senior adviser to the Biden campaign, told CNN’s “State of the Union.” “But we’re imploring folks across the country to be safe, wear your mask, social distance. This virus is very real and it’s deadly.”
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Tens of thousands of people danced, cheered and partied in cities across the country and the world on Saturday after media outlets projected Biden as the winner of the election. In some areas, including in front of the White House, Biden supporters were seen standing shoulder to shoulder, flouting coronavirus social distancing guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Still, video and photos of the celebrations showed the vast majority of participants wearing masks, a practice some public health officials have dubbed the most important step to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Some Republicans accused Biden supporters of being hypocritical for gathering in large crowds to celebrate after calling out President Donald Trump for holding massive campaign rallies amid the pandemic.
Sanders said Sunday that the Biden-Harris presidential transition team would announce a COVID-19 task force on Monday that will “operationalize” the campaign’s plan to address the coronavirus crisis.
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“Joe Biden is going to make good on his promises on the campaign trail,” Sanders said.
Biden Campaign Senior Adviser Symone Sanders: "On Monday, we will announce the COVID task force that will operationalize the Biden-Harris campaign plan to address COVID into a plan that the government can use." pic.twitter.com/JObbZFfrBV — The Recount (@therecount) November 8, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-07--Joe Biden To Name Coronavirus Task Force Headed By Former Surgeon General On Monday

President-elect Joe Biden plans on Monday to name a 12-member coronavirus task force to be co-chaired by former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy , according to several media reports citing anonymous sources .
The immediate focus on creating a task force as part of Biden ’ s transition planning underscored his concern about COVID-19 , which has killed nearly 250,000 Americans this year .
The number of daily cases in the nation is spiking by record amounts ; more than 125,000 cases were reported on Friday .
Task force members have already begun advising Biden on public policy concerning the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
President Donald Trump warned at a campaign rally last month that if Biden were elected president , he would “ listen to the scientists ” concerning the disease .
Biden responded in a tweet : “ Yes.
” Instead , Trump has focused on suggestions from his new health adviser , Scott Atlas , a neuroradiologist with no background in infectious diseases .
Atlas believes that COVID-19 should be allowed to spread among the young and healthy in a push to develop herd immunity — a strategy that infectious disease experts said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tweet from Atlas for sharing “ misleading information ” after he wrote that masks don ’ t help to stop the spread COVID-19 .
Trump suggested at a recent rally that he would “ fire ” Fauci should he be reelected .
Fauci told The Washington Post last week regarding Atlas , “ I have real problems with that guy.
” He added : He ’ s “ talking about things that I believe he doesn ’ t have any real insight or knowledge or experience in .
He keeps talking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] make any sense.
” Fauci added that the nation “ could not be positioned more poorly ” for fighting the disease now , particularly as Americans head into the winter flu season and spend more time indoors amid colder weather .
Fauci praised Biden for taking COVID-19 “ seriously from a public health perspective.
” Trump , on the other hand , is focused on the “ economy and opening businesses , ” he said .
Trump in May named former pharmaceutical company executive Moncef Slaoui to lead a vaccine push for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would divest millions of dollars from companies linked to vaccine development after complaints of a conflict of interest .
But he still held stock as recently as September .

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President-elect Joe Biden plans on Monday to name a 12-member coronavirus task force to be co-chaired by former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, according to several media reports citing anonymous sources.
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The immediate focus on creating a task force as part of Biden’s transition planning underscored his concern about COVID-19, which has killed nearly 250,000 Americans this year. The number of daily cases in the nation is spiking by record amounts; more than 125,000 cases were reported on Friday.
Task force members have already begun advising Biden on public policy concerning the pandemic and on safety protocols for his campaign.
President Donald Trump warned at a campaign rally last month that if Biden were elected president, he would “listen to the scientists” concerning the disease. Biden responded in a tweet: “Yes.”
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Instead, Trump has focused on suggestions from his new health adviser, Scott Atlas, a neuroradiologist with no background in infectious diseases. Atlas believes that COVID-19 should be allowed to spread among the young and healthy in a push to develop herd immunity — a strategy that infectious disease experts said is ill-advised.
Twitter last month deleted a tweet from Atlas for sharing “misleading information” after he wrote that masks don’t help to stop the spread COVID-19.
Trump suggested at a recent rally that he would “fire” Fauci should he be reelected.
Fauci told The Washington Post last week regarding Atlas, “I have real problems with that guy.” He added: He’s “talking about things that I believe he doesn’t have any real insight or knowledge or experience in. He keeps talking about things that ... [don’t] make any sense.”
Fauci added that the nation “could not be positioned more poorly” for fighting the disease now, particularly as Americans head into the winter flu season and spend more time indoors amid colder weather.
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Fauci praised Biden for taking COVID-19 “seriously from a public health perspective.” Trump, on the other hand, is focused on the “economy and opening businesses,” he said.
Trump in May named former pharmaceutical company executive Moncef Slaoui to lead a vaccine push for the federal government. Slaoui announced he would divest millions of dollars from companies linked to vaccine development after complaints of a conflict of interest. But he still held stock as recently as September.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-11-08--Biden Seeks To Move Quickly And Build Out His Administration

Transition team officials said that also this week Biden will launch his agency review teams , the group of transition staffers that have access to key agencies in the current administration to ease the transfer of power .
The teams will collect and review information such as budgetary and staffing decisions , pending regulations and other work in progress from current staff at the departments to help Biden ’ s team prepare to transition .
“ People want the country to move forward , ” said Kate Bedingfield , Biden deputy campaign manager , in an interview on NBC ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and see Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris “ have the opportunity to do the work , to get the virus under control and to get our economy back together.
” “ I have a long and warm personal connection with Joe Biden for nearly 40 years , and I know him as a great friend of the state of Israel , ” Netanyahu said .
“ I am certain that we will continue to work with both of them in order to further strengthen the special alliance between Israel and the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president , Biden started his first full day as president-elect by attending church at St. Joseph on the Brandywine near his home in Wilmington , as he does nearly every week .
After the service , he visited the church cemetery where several family members have been laid to rest , including his late son , Beau .
Joe Biden said Saturday in a victory speech that he would announce a task force of scientists and experts Monday to develop a “ blueprint ” to begin beating back the virus by the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his plan would be “ built on bedrock science ” and “ constructed out of compassion , empathy and concern.
” Murthy , who had advised Biden during the campaign , was named to a four-year term as surgeon general in 2014 by President Barack Obama .
Murthy was asked to resign by Trump months into the Republican ’ s term .
Kessler was appointed as FDA commissioner by President George H.W .
Bush and served in the position through President Bill Clinton ’ s first term in the White House .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
But he built his presidential run around bipartisanship and he has spent the days since Tuesday ’ s election pledging to be a president for all Americans .
That suggests he could be willing to appoint some Republicans to high-profile administration positions .
Many former Republican officeholders broke with Trump to endorse Biden ’ s campaign .
Biden ’ s selection of some of them to join the new government could appease Senate Republicans , who may have to confirm many of Biden ’ s choices for top jobs .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after two special elections in Georgia on Jan. 5 .
Still , too much across-the-aisle cooperation could draw the ire of progressives .
Some already worry that uncooperative Senate Republicans could force Biden to scale back his ambitious campaign promises to expand access to health care and lead a post-pandemic economic recovery that relies on federal investment in green technology and jobs to help combat climate change .
“ I think there will be a huge misuse of the word ‘ unity ’ to imply that we need to water down the ideas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Adam Green , co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee .
He said the country was more united around bold solutions to big problems than small-scale efforts .
“ I think the White House has made clear what their strategy is here and that they are going to continue to participate and push forward these flailing and , in many ― in many respects , baseless legal strategies , ” Sanders said on CNN ’ s “ State of the Union.
” “ I think one has to be careful in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you say the election was corrupt or stolen or rigged that that ’ s unfortunately rhetoric that gets picked up by authoritarians around the world .
And I think it also discourages confidence in our democratic process here at home , ” Romney said on NBC .

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WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden signaled on Sunday he plans to move quickly to build out his government, focusing first on the raging pandemic that will likely dominate the early days of his administration.
Biden named a former surgeon general, Dr. Vivek Murthy, and a former Food and Drug Administration commissioner, David Kessler, as co-chairs of a coronavirus working group set to get started, with other members expected to be announced Monday.
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Transition team officials said that also this week Biden will launch his agency review teams, the group of transition staffers that have access to key agencies in the current administration to ease the transfer of power. The teams will collect and review information such as budgetary and staffing decisions, pending regulations and other work in progress from current staff at the departments to help Biden’s team prepare to transition.
Scroll down or click here for the latest updates from HuffPost’s election live blog
“People want the country to move forward,” said Kate Bedingfield, Biden deputy campaign manager, in an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” and see Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris “have the opportunity to do the work, to get the virus under control and to get our economy back together.”
President-elect Joe Biden speaks Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) ASSOCIATED PRESS
It’s unclear for now whether President Donald Trump and his administration will cooperate. He has yet to acknowledge Biden’s victory and has pledged to mount legal challenges in several closely contested states that decided the race.
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Biden adviser Jen Psaki pressed for the Trump-appointed head of the General Services Administration to quickly recognize Biden as the president-elect, which would free up money for the transition and clear the way for Biden’s team to begin putting in place the transition process at agencies.
“America’s national security and economic interests depend on the federal government signaling clearly and swiftly that the United States government will respect the will of the American people and engage in a smooth and peaceful transfer of power,” Psaki said in a Twitter posting.
A GSA official said Sunday that step had not been taken yet.
Still, there were signs that leaders in Washington and foreign capitals were preparing for a new administration.
Biden aides said the president-elect and transition team had been in touch with Republican lawmakers. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, one of Trump’s closest allies, opened a Cabinet meeting on Sunday by congratulating Biden, a former vice president and longtime senator.
“I have a long and warm personal connection with Joe Biden for nearly 40 years, and I know him as a great friend of the state of Israel,” Netanyahu said. “I am certain that we will continue to work with both of them in order to further strengthen the special alliance between Israel and the U.S.”
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George W. Bush, the sole living Republican former president, also wished Biden well.
“Though we have political differences, I know Joe Biden to be a good man, who has won his opportunity to lead and unify our country,” Bush said.
The Washington skyline is seen at dawn, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, the morning after incumbent President Donald Trump was defeated by his Democratic challenger, President-elect Joe Biden. From left are the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) ASSOCIATED PRESS
Biden faces key staffing decisions in the days ahead. The always-frenzied 10-week transition period before Inauguration Day on Jan. 20 already has been shortened by the extra time it took to determine the winner of Tuesday’s election.
The second Catholic to be elected president, Biden started his first full day as president-elect by attending church at St. Joseph on the Brandywine near his home in Wilmington, as he does nearly every week. After the service, he visited the church cemetery where several family members have been laid to rest, including his late son, Beau.
Beau Biden, a former Delaware attorney general, died in 2015 from cancer. Before his death, he had encouraged his father to make a third run for the White House.
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Joe Biden said Saturday in a victory speech that he would announce a task force of scientists and experts Monday to develop a “blueprint” to begin beating back the virus by the time he assumes the presidency. He said his plan would be “built on bedrock science” and “constructed out of compassion, empathy and concern.”
Murthy, who had advised Biden during the campaign, was named to a four-year term as surgeon general in 2014 by President Barack Obama. Murthy was asked to resign by Trump months into the Republican’s term. Kessler was appointed as FDA commissioner by President George H.W. Bush and served in the position through President Bill Clinton’s first term in the White House.
In this image from video, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy speaks during the fourth night of the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020. (Democratic National Convention via AP) ASSOCIATED PRESS
Biden senior adviser Ted Kaufman said the transition team will focus on the “nuts and bolts” of building the new administration in coming days.
Biden may not make top Cabinet choices for weeks. But he built his presidential run around bipartisanship and he has spent the days since Tuesday’s election pledging to be a president for all Americans. That suggests he could be willing to appoint some Republicans to high-profile administration positions.
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Many former Republican officeholders broke with Trump to endorse Biden’s campaign. Biden’s selection of some of them to join the new government could appease Senate Republicans, who may have to confirm many of Biden’s choices for top jobs. The GOP could retain control of the chamber after two special elections in Georgia on Jan. 5.
Still, too much across-the-aisle cooperation could draw the ire of progressives. Some already worry that uncooperative Senate Republicans could force Biden to scale back his ambitious campaign promises to expand access to health care and lead a post-pandemic economic recovery that relies on federal investment in green technology and jobs to help combat climate change.
“I think there will be a huge misuse of the word ‘unity’ to imply that we need to water down the ideas that Joe Biden just campaigned on,” said Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. He said the country was more united around bold solutions to big problems than small-scale efforts.
Biden’s efforts at bipartisan reconciliation could still be derailed by Trump’s refusing to concede the race.
Symone Sanders, a Biden campaign senior adviser, said that while several Republican lawmakers have been in contact with the president-elect in recent days, the campaign has yet to hear from Trump White House officials.
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“I think the White House has made clear what their strategy is here and that they are going to continue to participate and push forward these flailing and, in many ― in many respects, baseless legal strategies,” Sanders said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said Trump had a right to pursue recounts and legal challenges. But he noted that those efforts will unlikely change the outcome and he urged the president to dial back his rhetoric.
“I think one has to be careful in the choice of words. I think when you say the election was corrupt or stolen or rigged that that’s unfortunately rhetoric that gets picked up by authoritarians around the world. And I think it also discourages confidence in our democratic process here at home,” Romney said on NBC.
___
Madhani reported from Chicago. Associated Press writers Zeke Miller in Washington and Steve Peoples in New York contributed to this report.
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