Though networks are still milking this moment of heightened attention for all the ratings points and ad dollars they can rake in, it’s clear tonight that the real drama is over. With that in mind, Joe Biden is going to address the nation. Kamala Harris is also at the Chase, and may also speak, though without a clear call from the networks, that’s not certain.
It will likely be brief, and don’t expect Biden to directly say what AP will not. Just put this down as the first appearance of the president-elect … ish.
Biden’s motorcade just arrived at the Chase Center where the primarily car-bound crowd greeted him with lots off honking and flashing lights. Harris actually arrived earlier.
Seeing Biden arrive in a parade of flashing lights and flags seemed just right.
And now … a lot of clanking and squeaking from a crew that doesn’t seem to know their microphone is on.
Biden starts off saying “look what has happened in the last 24 hours.” Points to gains in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Arizona.
Biden points out that they’re not just winning the electoral vote, but winning the popular vote by a wide margin.
He got to the key of the message. “We’re not waiting to get to work.” That’s what the nation needs to hear.
He talks about COVID-19 and the resurgence and promises to start working on a response right now. This is basically “we all know we got it, so we’re moving ahead.”
Calling for calm, civility, unity. “My responsibility as president will be to represent the entire nation and I will work as hard for the people who didn’t vote for me as for those who did.” (Or close to that, anyway) “There’s no reason we can’t own the 21st century. We just need to remember who we are. The United States of America.”
Good message. Called for patience, though ffs it is just time to call this thing. It’s done. But he can’t say that. An attempt at unity which is necessary, however futile. That’ll have to come from his actions, not his rhetoric.
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