President-elect Joe Biden proclaimed that the tide will change. "I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide, but to unify," he said. In a strong speech about unity and progression, he also mentioned that it was "the time to heal," to "restore the soul of America, and the time to "root out systemic racism." Even In addressing President Donald Trump supporters, he pleaded that they should give each other a chance.
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris emphasized on black women in particular, who have been overlooked for their efforts in being the backbone of democracy. She commemorated women who fought for "equality, liberty and justice for all". In her opening statement, she quoted the late civil rights movement stalwart, John Lewis, "Democracy is not a state; it is an act."
She emphasized the point, "America's democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it... We, the people, have the power to fight for a better future"
Another major issue is the Coronavirus, with the USA having just over 10.5 Million cases, with just 250 000 deaths. However, President-elect Joe Biden pledged to have a science-based approach to the pandemic. With his first order of business, enforcing a transitional Coronavirus Task Force, and reconciling America's relationship with the World Health Organisation. The new Task Force is an all female, all health professionals, and minority group representatives. The prospect of the Pfizer vaccine is a bonus.
Foreign Policy
Several world leaders have congratulated the President-elect on his victory. Including the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa. South Africa has had an engaging relationship with the USA, from the times of Apartheid, playing it's part in the sanctions that crippled the oppressive regime. Former president, Barack Obama has had two presidents visits to SA, including on the memorial service of the late former president, Nelson Mandela. Bilateral relations include President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) ; U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) ; Trade and Investment Framework Agreement among other agreements, according to the US Department of State. But, Donald Trump has never been to South Africa, and referred to African countries in a derogatory manner.
Saudi Arabia's Crown had some 24hours to come to terms with the news, as Saudi Arabia has had a much stronger relationship with President Donald Trump. US-Saudi relations include their controversial security agreement endorsing weapons sales as well as trade agreements. Saudi Arabia is the USA's largest customer of weapons. Also with the lucrative oil deals, this is a relationship that Joe Biden would have to tread carefully with, as it is not as simple as right or wrong when it comes to this relationship, which has been consequential to Yemenis and Syrians.
Benjamin Netanyahu was quite frank in his favour of Donald Trump, calling him a "great friend" after his loss in the elections. Israel's contentious relationship with Palestine has been supported by Donald Trump, with the USA brokering a "peace deal" with the UAE and Bahrain to cement their power in the Gulf, to the dismay of Palestinians.