Unity and hope: Key takeaways from Biden and Harris victory speeches

United, a better future, the re-grouping of diversity as something to be praised, President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris seek to unite a divided nation – a divided world – to become whole once again. They have their work cut out for them, but their message is one of resounding hope. Something we so desperately needed in 2020

When Kamala Harris stepped onto the stage in suffragette white, appeared on stage to the strains of Mary J Blige’s Work That, it was clear that this pair of leaders would celebrate America as it is – diverse and unique – forgoing Trump’s vision of the white America of the past.

While I may be the first, I won’t be the last. pic.twitter.com/R5CousWtdx

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 8, 2020

‘I may be the first, I won’t be the last’

America is a nation divided still – Donald Trump won more than 70 million votes, the second-highest total in American history – but at least with a different outcome, we might get the possibility of a different future. The celebrations, the happiness and joy from Biden voters across the US feels like it is a country that has been reborn. This will have a knock-on effect across the world. In the midst of a pandemic, in times of huge uncertainty, the one sure thing is change – and this is change we can get behind. A fresh start, a new era is ahead.

A nation united.

A nation strengthened.

A nation healed.

The United States of America.

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 8, 2020

Biden is already more natural in his role, speaking with dignity, respect – he’s a veteran of US politics and, much like Obama, knows how to say the right words – and mean them. He isn’t up at the podium because he wants attention, or to cause controversy, he wants to get it right. To heal the gaping wound of America 2020.

“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. “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.”

Even before his win was sure, he spoke of the same on Saturday.

“Folks, I’m a proud Democrat, but I will govern as an American president. I will work as hard for those who didn’t vote for me as those who did,” highlighting his track-record as a politician with a reputation for bipartisanship. “Let this grim era of demonisation in America begin to end — here and now. “

And in the here and now, this rhetoric is most welcome.

Read more: Kamala Harris makes history as first woman of colour elected US vice-president

Read more: Biden Wins: Democrat projected to take White House as he takes Pennsylvania