WILMINGTON, Del. (KYW Newsradio) — President-elect Joe Biden promised to restore the soul of the nation in a victory speech at the Chase Center in Wilmington, urging Americans to come together and listen to their "better angels."
Biden took the stage four nights later than he’d hoped but declared a clear and convincing victory, with the most votes ever cast for a presidential ticket in American history, sealed by the outpouring of joy in cities around the country.
"I sought this office to restore the soul of America, to rebuild the backbone of the nation — the middle class," he said, "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."
Biden called the win one for "We the People."
"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," he said, "who doesn't see red and blue states, but a United States."
The president-elect was nearly upstaged by his running mate, Kamala Harris, who will be the first woman and the first person of color to hold the office of vice president. Dressed in the white of the women's suffrage movement, she reflected on her mother's journey as an immigrant, and all the women who she said paved the way for her.
"Tonight, I reflect on their struggle, their determination and the strength of their vision — to see what can be unburdened by what has been — I stand on their shoulders," she said.
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Harris also talked about what their victory means for today's children, and the possibilities it represents.
"To the children of our country, regardless of your gender, our country has sent you a clear message," she declared.
"Dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see yourself in a way that others might not see you, simply because they’ve never seen it before."
Supporters packed the parking lot outside the Chase Center for the event, honking in approval. Some sipped champagne, while others had children in tow. All were ecstatic to be sending the first Delawarean to the White House, though they were still aware of the challenge ahead.
"I thought it was an amazing sight to see but it's the first step in a long, long journey," said Reginald Daniel.
"(Harris) almost made me cry," said Bernice Harleston. "It was incredibly inspirational."
The night was capped with fireworks exploding over lights in the shape of the flag, the U.S. and the names Biden and Harris.