NATURAL NEWS | Joe Biden Wins US Presidential Elections

On Saturday, 7th November 2020, Joe Biden was declared the President-elect of the United States of America, after having secured more than 270 votes from the Electoral College.

President-elect Joe Biden has come out victorious, with the highest number of votes in history. "I'm humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed on me," he said.

Kamala Harris is the first woman Vice President in the history of the Vice Presidency. Also, being rich in culture, she is the first Black woman, and first person South Asian descendant, and first daughter of an immigrant to occupy the office. Her father is Jamaican and her mother is South Asian.

Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris, was joyous in celebration, indicating that there is more work to be done, and her personal victory is not of hers alone, but for women, and hopes her victory will inspire young women to chase their dreams. "Although I'm the first woman in office, I will not be the last!" She declared.

Domestic Issues

President-elect Joe Biden, has his work cut out for him, with his "Build Back Better" campaign. The US has been for a long time, a country deeply divided by racial division and systemic racism. These issues have been accentuated by President Donald Trump's occupation in the White House. The responses to the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, and the shooting of Jacob Blake amongst many others, as well as the riots in several cities, most notable in Kenosha, Wisconsin have emphasized this point. His "Stand back and stand by" statement to appeal to white supremacists only added fuel to the fire.

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.

Although Boris Johnson also congratulated Joe Biden, he has strong relations with President Donald Trump, as they supported each other during a period of tough times where they were both facing scrutiny from their respective countries but stood out strong. A new base would have to be established with Joe Biden as he shares different values from President Donald Trump.

Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong-un have had no congratulatory remarks to say about Joe Biden's presidency so far, as there is definitely no love lost, or any real sign of bi-lateral relations respectively. Several countries will be interested in the new developments in the United States, such as Venezuela, Mexico, Brazil, Iran, China, and several other key states.

The Future

President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would only be officiated on January 19th, 2021. With President Donald Trump having sworn that he would not go down easy to the "worst candidate in history", his clinging to power has reached a detrimental turn with unfounded allegations of election fraud, making the transition of power unceremonious.

However, that does not stop Joe Biden and Kamala Harris from moving forward with their vision, evidently with their appointments of the new Coronavirus Task Force, and their welcoming of their leadership by the American public as well as the international community.

VP-elect Kamala Harris stated, "Now is when the real work begins... The road will not be easy, but America is ready!" President-elect Joe Biden proclaimed, "We will not lead by the example of our power, but by the power of our example!"

If their promises during their campaigning, and immediate actions are anything to go by, the new leaders are ready to hit the ground running, not just for the United States, but as leaders of the free world in a new order.

Written by Tevin NKS

Edited by Tevin NKS

​ISL Publishing