Most major media outlets declared Biden the President-elect after calling the Pennsylvania results for the Democratic candidate. Later that night, Biden gave a speech many characterized as conciliatory.
Summary
In a Saturday primetime victory speech, Joe Biden addressed the nation after most news outlets called Pennsylvania for Biden and declared him the 46th President of the United States.
- Biden made efforts to strike a conciliatory tone, saying “this is the time to heal in America” and that he will focus “to win the confidence of all people.”
- The former Vice President and apparent President-elect noted he “won the most votes ever cast” in a presidential election. Donald Trump received the second-most votes in American history.
- CNN reports Biden acknowledged the role Black voters played in his victory, while his “entreaties” to supporters of President Trump “were the most striking.”
- The Los Angeles Times write-up said Biden’s speech echoed “the words that launched Barack Obama’s national political career at the Democratic convention 16 years ago.”
- According to Biden, one of his first actions will be to create a group of “transition advisors” to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
- Yahoo News noted “crowds numbering in the thousands” in cities across the country. They were not criticized by mainstream media as super-spreading events of coronavirus.
- Covering the Saturday evening speech, The New York Times glowingly reported “it was clear [Biden’s] moment had arrived.”
- Vox wrote Biden’s remarks “stood in stark contrast to the general message of President Donald Trump.”
- Huffington Post wrote Biden highlighted two priorities: slow the coronavirus and “reuniting a country torn apart by heavily polarized politics, continued systemic racism and Trump’s harsh rhetoric.”
- Fox News highlighted the social distancing guidelines practiced at Biden’s speech.
- The Daily Caller’s reporting focused on Biden’s emphasis on unity during his remarks.
- The editors at National Review counter Biden’s claim of a “convincing victory”, that the Republican Party is stronger post-Trump, and the down-ballot successes of the GOP negate any statement of a mandate for progressive policies.
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© Dallas Gerber, 2020
