America meets the future first and second families: Five of Biden's grandkids and Kamala's two step-children and niece join them on stage for their victory speeches in front of millions of viewers
Both Joe Biden's and Kamala Harris's family eagerly greeted them on stage in Delaware Saturday night, celebrating the former vice president's victory in securing the 2020 presidential election. All wore masks except for Biden.
Jill Biden proudly held onto the president elect's arm and hand as they watched the celebratory fireworks and were pleasantly surprised by confetti launched in Wilmington.
Following Biden's unifying speech, his son Robert Hunter Biden, 50, appeared on stage, carrying his seven-month-old son, reportedly named Beau, after his late brother.
Joe Biden greeted Hunter and little Beau, taking the baby and giving him a loving kiss on the head.
Meet the First family: After a rousing celebratory speech, Joe Biden was joined by his family on stage. Biden's camp included (from 1-8) granddaughters Natalie Biden and Naomi Biden, grandson, daughter Ashley Blazer Biden, Hunter Biden, grandson Beau Biden, Melissa Biden and granddaughter Finnegan Biden
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was greeted by her niece Meena (6), step-children Cole (1) and Ella Emhoff, and two grand-nieces (4 and 5)
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President Elect Kamala Harris (2R) are joined by family members after Biden delivered his victory address
Hunter was accompanied by his South African-born wife Melissa, 34, who he married in May 2019 - six days after they met.
Also joining Joe Biden on stage was the couple's only daughter, Ashley Blazer Biden and Hunter's daughters Naomi and Finnegan.
It was Hunter's daughter Naomi who, along with the rest of the family, told him he had the won the election when it was called for by at 11.25am Saturday.
Naomi tweeted a picture of the moment they celebrated the end of a rollercoaster election and count, as in cities across America crowds took to the streets.
US presidential nominee Joe Biden kisses a grandson Beau Biden after speaking at his election rally
Joe Biden is embraced by his granddaughter Naomi after speaking during his election rally
President-elect Joe Biden stands with Jill Biden and his family after speaking in Wilmington
President-elect Joe Biden and family watch fireworks from stage after Biden's address to the nation from the Chase Center
Joe Biden is embraced by his granddaughter Naomi after speaking during his election rally
President-elect Joe Biden (2R) and Dr. Jill Biden with Vice President Elect Kamala Harris (2L) and Doug Emhoff are joined by family members and wave after Biden delivered his victory address
In addition to Hunter's children, Beau Biden's children Natalie Biden and Robert 'Hunter' Biden II were also in attendance for the celebrations.
Vice President elect Kamala Harris' camp included her husband Douglas Emhoff and her step-children Cole and Ella Emhoff.
Harris's niece, entrepreneur Meena Harris, stood proudly with her aunt along with her two daughters.
Biden took to the stage in Wilmington, after being introduced by Kamala Harris, his vice-president elect, to cheers from a crowd who had driven in to hear him.
Biden called on Americans to come together after the election, making an appeal to Trump voters and offering a message of hope and sympathy to those who have suffered from the coronavirus pandemic and its resulting affect on the economy.
Two hours after Biden spoke, there began to be signs of movement in the White House, as CNN reported that Jared Kushner had told his father-in-law it was time to concede, ending speculation about who would have to tell the president that it was time to end tweet after tweet of denial and defiance and let the peaceful transition of power begin.
In his 15-minute speech Saturday, Biden thanked his supporters, particularly African American voters who gave him the Democratic nomination and turned out in the general election, along with his campaign staff.
President-elect Joe Biden talks with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her family after speaking in Wilmington
Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Harris, President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden react to the confetti at their election rally
Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Harris, President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden on stage together
Biden reached out to the 71 million people who voted for President Trump, vowing to be a president for the entire country and calling on the nation to heal.
'I said at the outset I wanted to represent this campaign to represent and look like America. We've done that. Now for all those of you who voted President Trump, I understand your disappointment tonight. I've lost a couple of times myself, but now let's give each other a chance,' he said as supporters honked their cars and cheered.
The 2020 presidential election was one of the most divisive in history. President Trump has yet to concede and vowed to launch of series of lawsuits in battleground states on Monday to contest the result.
But Biden said it was time to 'stop treating our opponents as our enemies.'
'It's time to put away the harsh rhetoric, lower the temperature, see each other again, listen to each other again, and to make progress, we have to stop treating our opponents as our enemies. They are not our enemies. They are Americans. They are Americans. The bible tells us to everything there is a season, a time to build, a time to reap, and a time to sow and a time to heal,' he said.
'This is the time to heal in America,' he added. 'I will govern as an American president. I'll work as hard for those who didn't vote for me as those who did,' Biden vowed.
Biden – whose primary campaign was salvaged in large part by African American support in South Carolina and other states – gave a prominent shout-out to black supporters.
'The African American community stood up again for me. You've always had my back – and I'll have yours,' he said.
Biden, who will become the second Catholic president in American history, also made his faith a part of his message.
'We must restore the soul of America,' was a line he used many times in his campaign speeches and one he repeated in his first address as the president-elect.
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice Preident-elect Kamala Harris, accompanied by their families, look at the fireworks
Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Harris, President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden on stage together
Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Harris, President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden react to the confetti at their election rally
The election was called for Biden at 11.25am Saturday morning by television networks and the Associated Press as he passed a 30,000 lead in Pennsylvania, an agonizing four days after the polls closed.
CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS, the AP and USA Today all made the call and Fox News followed suit 10 minutes later after Biden picked up more votes in Philadelphia, where officials had been working through mail-in ballots for days.
Pennsylvania, with its 20 electoral college votes, finally pushed Biden over the line. Nevada was called for him shortly afterwards. Now, only Arizona, Alaska and North Carolina remain uncalled but none can alter the election outcome now.
Within minutes of the call being made, spontaneous celebrations broke out in major cities as people cheered, danced and honked horns in the streets.
READ PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN'S VICTORY SPEECH IN FULL
My fellow Americans, the people of this nation have spoken.They have delivered us a clear victory. A convincing victory. A victory for 'We the People.'
We have won with the most votes ever cast for a presidential ticket in the history of this nation — 74 million. I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me. I pledge to be a President who seeks not to divide, but to unify.
Who doesn't see Red and Blue states, but a United States. And who will work with all my heart to win the confidence of the whole people. For that is what America is about: The people. And that is what our Administration will be about.
I sought this office to restore the soul of America. To rebuild the backbone of the nation — the middle class. To make America respected around the world again and to unite us here at home.
It is the honor of my lifetime that so many millions of Americans have voted for this vision. And now the work of making this vision real is the task of our time.
As I said many times before, I'm Jill's husband. I would not be here without the love and tireless support of Jill, Hunter, Ashley, all of our grandchildren and their spouses, and all our family.
They are my heart. Jill's a mom — a military mom — and an educator.
She has dedicated her life to education, but teaching isn't just what she does — it's who she is. For America's educators, this is a great day: You're going to have one of your own in the White House, and Jill is going to make a great First Lady.
And I will be honored to be serving with a fantastic vice president — Kamala Harris — who will make history as the first woman, first Black woman, first woman of South Asian descent, and first daughter of immigrants ever elected to national office in this country.
It's long overdue, and we're reminded tonight of all those who fought so hard for so many years to make this happen. But once again, America has bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice.
Kamala, Doug — like it or not — you're family. You've become honorary Bidens and there's no way out. To all those who volunteered, worked the polls in the middle of this pandemic, local election officials — you deserve a special thanks from this nation.
To my campaign team, and all the volunteers, to all those who gave so much of themselves to make this moment possible, I owe you everything. And to all those who supported us: I am proud of the campaign we built and ran. I am proud of the coalition we put together, the broadest and most diverse in history.
Democrats, Republicans and Independents. Progressives, moderates and conservatives. Young and old. Urban, suburban and rural. Gay, straight, transgender. White. Latino. Asian. Native American.
And especially for those moments when this campaign was at its lowest — the African American community stood up again for me. They always have my back, and I'll have yours.
I said from the outset I wanted a campaign that represented America, and I think we did that. Now that's what I want the administration to look like.
And to those who voted for President Trump, I understand your disappointment tonight.
I've lost a couple of elections myself. But now, let's give each other a chance. 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.
Now that the campaign is over — what is the people's will? What is our mandate? I believe it is this: Americans have called on us to marshal the forces of decency and the forces of fairness. To marshal the forces of science and the forces of hope in the great battles of our time.
The battle to control the virus. The battle to build prosperity. The battle to secure your family's health care. The battle to achieve racial justice and root out systemic racism in this country. The battle to save the climate. The battle to restore decency, defend democracy, and give everybody in this country a fair shot.
Our work begins with getting COVID under control. We cannot repair the economy, restore our vitality, or relish life's most precious moments — hugging a grandchild, birthdays, weddings, graduations, all the moments that matter most to us — until we get this virus under control.
On Monday, I will name a group of leading scientists and experts as Transition Advisors to help take the Biden-Harris COVID plan and convert it into an action blueprint that starts on January 20th, 2021.
That plan will be built on a bedrock of science. It will be constructed out of compassion, empathy, and concern. I will spare no effort — or commitment — to turn this pandemic around.
I ran as a proud Democrat. I will now be an American president. I will work as hard for those who didn't vote for me — as those who did. Let this grim era of demonization in America begin to end — here and now.
The refusal of Democrats and Republicans to cooperate with one another is not due to some mysterious force beyond our control. It's a decision. It's a choice we make.
And if we can decide not to cooperate, then we can decide to cooperate. And I believe that this is part of the mandate from the American people. They want us to cooperate. That's the choice I'll make. And I call on the Congress — Democrats and Republicans alike — to make that choice with me.
The American story is about the slow, yet steady widening of opportunity. Make no mistake: Too many dreams have been deferred for too long.
We must make the promise of the country real for everybody — no matter their race, their ethnicity, their faith, their identity, or their disability. America has always been shaped by inflection points — by moments in time where we've made hard decisions about who we are and what we want to be.
Lincoln in 1860 — coming to save the Union. FDR in 1932 — promising a beleaguered country a New Deal. JFK in 1960 — pledging a New Frontier. And twelve years ago — when Barack Obama made history — and told us, 'Yes, we can.'
We stand again at an inflection point. We have the opportunity to defeat despair and to build a nation of prosperity and purpose. We can do it. I know we can. I've long talked about the battle for the soul of America. We must restore the soul of America.
Our nation is shaped by the constant battle between our better angels and our darkest impulses. It is time for our better angels to prevail.
Tonight, the whole world is watching America. I believe at our best America is a beacon for the globe. And we lead not by the example of our power, but by the power of our example. I've always believed we can define America in one word: Possibilities.
That in America everyone should be given the opportunity to go as far as their dreams and God-given ability will take them. You see, I believe in the possibility of this country. We're always looking ahead.
Ahead to an America that's freer and more just. Ahead to an America that creates jobs with dignity and respect. Ahead to an America that cures disease — like cancer and Alzheimers. Ahead to an America that never leaves anyone behind. Ahead to an America that never gives up, never gives in.
This is a great nation. And we are a good people. This is the United States of America. And there has never been anything we haven't been able to do when we've done it together.
In the last days of the campaign, I've been thinking about a hymn that means a lot to me and to my family, particularly my deceased son Beau. It captures the faith that sustains me and which I believe sustains America.
And I hope it can provide some comfort and solace to the more than 230,000 families who have lost a loved one to this terrible virus this year. My heart goes out to each and every one of you. Hopefully this hymn gives you solace as well.
'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.' And now, together — on eagle's wings — we embark on the work that God and history have called upon us to do.
With full hearts and steady hands, with faith in America and in each other, with a love of country — and a thirst for justice — let us be the nation that we know we can be.
A nation united. A nation strengthened. A nation healed. The United States of America. God bless you. And may God protect our troops.
READ PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN'S VICTORY SPEECH IN FULL
My fellow Americans, the people of this nation have spoken.They have delivered us a clear victory. A convincing victory. A victory for 'We the People.'
We have won with the most votes ever cast for a presidential ticket in the history of this nation — 74 million. I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me. I pledge to be a President who seeks not to divide, but to unify.
Who doesn't see Red and Blue states, but a United States. And who will work with all my heart to win the confidence of the whole people. For that is what America is about: The people. And that is what our Administration will be about.
I sought this office to restore the soul of America. To rebuild the backbone of the nation — the middle class. To make America respected around the world again and to unite us here at home.
It is the honor of my lifetime that so many millions of Americans have voted for this vision. And now the work of making this vision real is the task of our time.
As I said many times before, I'm Jill's husband. I would not be here without the love and tireless support of Jill, Hunter, Ashley, all of our grandchildren and their spouses, and all our family.
They are my heart. Jill's a mom — a military mom — and an educator.
She has dedicated her life to education, but teaching isn't just what she does — it's who she is. For America's educators, this is a great day: You're going to have one of your own in the White House, and Jill is going to make a great First Lady.
And I will be honored to be serving with a fantastic vice president — Kamala Harris — who will make history as the first woman, first Black woman, first woman of South Asian descent, and first daughter of immigrants ever elected to national office in this country.
It's long overdue, and we're reminded tonight of all those who fought so hard for so many years to make this happen. But once again, America has bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice.
Kamala, Doug — like it or not — you're family. You've become honorary Bidens and there's no way out. To all those who volunteered, worked the polls in the middle of this pandemic, local election officials — you deserve a special thanks from this nation.
To my campaign team, and all the volunteers, to all those who gave so much of themselves to make this moment possible, I owe you everything. And to all those who supported us: I am proud of the campaign we built and ran. I am proud of the coalition we put together, the broadest and most diverse in history.
Democrats, Republicans and Independents. Progressives, moderates and conservatives. Young and old. Urban, suburban and rural. Gay, straight, transgender. White. Latino. Asian. Native American.
And especially for those moments when this campaign was at its lowest — the African American community stood up again for me. They always have my back, and I'll have yours.
I said from the outset I wanted a campaign that represented America, and I think we did that. Now that's what I want the administration to look like.
And to those who voted for President Trump, I understand your disappointment tonight.
I've lost a couple of elections myself. But now, let's give each other a chance. 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.
Now that the campaign is over — what is the people's will? What is our mandate? I believe it is this: Americans have called on us to marshal the forces of decency and the forces of fairness. To marshal the forces of science and the forces of hope in the great battles of our time.
The battle to control the virus. The battle to build prosperity. The battle to secure your family's health care. The battle to achieve racial justice and root out systemic racism in this country. The battle to save the climate. The battle to restore decency, defend democracy, and give everybody in this country a fair shot.
Our work begins with getting COVID under control. We cannot repair the economy, restore our vitality, or relish life's most precious moments — hugging a grandchild, birthdays, weddings, graduations, all the moments that matter most to us — until we get this virus under control.
On Monday, I will name a group of leading scientists and experts as Transition Advisors to help take the Biden-Harris COVID plan and convert it into an action blueprint that starts on January 20th, 2021.
That plan will be built on a bedrock of science. It will be constructed out of compassion, empathy, and concern. I will spare no effort — or commitment — to turn this pandemic around.
I ran as a proud Democrat. I will now be an American president. I will work as hard for those who didn't vote for me — as those who did. Let this grim era of demonization in America begin to end — here and now.
The refusal of Democrats and Republicans to cooperate with one another is not due to some mysterious force beyond our control. It's a decision. It's a choice we make.
And if we can decide not to cooperate, then we can decide to cooperate. And I believe that this is part of the mandate from the American people. They want us to cooperate. That's the choice I'll make. And I call on the Congress — Democrats and Republicans alike — to make that choice with me.
The American story is about the slow, yet steady widening of opportunity. Make no mistake: Too many dreams have been deferred for too long.
We must make the promise of the country real for everybody — no matter their race, their ethnicity, their faith, their identity, or their disability. America has always been shaped by inflection points — by moments in time where we've made hard decisions about who we are and what we want to be.
Lincoln in 1860 — coming to save the Union. FDR in 1932 — promising a beleaguered country a New Deal. JFK in 1960 — pledging a New Frontier. And twelve years ago — when Barack Obama made history — and told us, 'Yes, we can.'
We stand again at an inflection point. We have the opportunity to defeat despair and to build a nation of prosperity and purpose. We can do it. I know we can. I've long talked about the battle for the soul of America. We must restore the soul of America.
Our nation is shaped by the constant battle between our better angels and our darkest impulses. It is time for our better angels to prevail.
Tonight, the whole world is watching America. I believe at our best America is a beacon for the globe. And we lead not by the example of our power, but by the power of our example. I've always believed we can define America in one word: Possibilities.
That in America everyone should be given the opportunity to go as far as their dreams and God-given ability will take them. You see, I believe in the possibility of this country. We're always looking ahead.
Ahead to an America that's freer and more just. Ahead to an America that creates jobs with dignity and respect. Ahead to an America that cures disease — like cancer and Alzheimers. Ahead to an America that never leaves anyone behind. Ahead to an America that never gives up, never gives in.
This is a great nation. And we are a good people. This is the United States of America. And there has never been anything we haven't been able to do when we've done it together.
In the last days of the campaign, I've been thinking about a hymn that means a lot to me and to my family, particularly my deceased son Beau. It captures the faith that sustains me and which I believe sustains America.
And I hope it can provide some comfort and solace to the more than 230,000 families who have lost a loved one to this terrible virus this year. My heart goes out to each and every one of you. Hopefully this hymn gives you solace as well.
'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.' And now, together — on eagle's wings — we embark on the work that God and history have called upon us to do.
With full hearts and steady hands, with faith in America and in each other, with a love of country — and a thirst for justice — let us be the nation that we know we can be.
A nation united. A nation strengthened. A nation healed. The United States of America. God bless you. And may God protect our troops.