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VP-elect Kamala Harris pledges to 'heal the soul' of US as she addresses nation: 'Now the real work begins'

She said: 'And when our very democracy was on the ballot in this election, with the very soul of America at stake and the world watching, you ushered in a new day for America'

Finally, after a grueling four-day wait, on Saturday, November 7, Joe Biden was announced the 46th president of the United States. Biden beat outgoing president Donald Trump in Pennsylvania by securing a projected 284 votes in the electoral college, according to the Associated Press. Kamala Harris was elected the vice-president. She is the first woman and person of color in the history of US politics to have won this post. Harris addressed the nation for the first time as the vice-president-elect. She took the stage outside the Chase Center in Wilmington and was smiling at the cheering crowd. Harris referenced late civil rights leader and Georgia congressman John Lewis and his statement regarding democracy was an act that was only as strong as the people’s willingness to fight for it.

She said, “And when our very democracy was on the ballot in this election, with the very soul of America at stake and the world watching, you ushered in a new day for America.” As per The Washington Post, she also said: “I know times have been challenging, especially the last several months. The grief, sorrow and pain, the worries and the struggles.” “But we have also witnessed your courage, your resilience and the generosity of your spirit. For four years, you marched and organized for equality and justice for our lives and for our planet. And then you voted and you delivered a clear message. You chose hope and unity, decency, science and, yes, truth.”

She also tweeted, “Now the real work begins. To beat this pandemic. To rebuild our economy.To root out systemic racism in our justice system and society. To combat the climate crisis. To heal the soul of our nation. The road ahead won't be easy. But America is ready. And so are @JoeBiden and I.”

People reacted to her speech on social media. A user said, “Watching President Biden and VP Harris... I am literally in tears, happy, with my heart filled with hope for a better future. Thank you!!! @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris.” Another wrote: “Just watched President Elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’s speech and I have to say, for the first time in a long time I feel some amount of comfort. I saw strength and unity. Will it all pan out? Maybe not, but for once I have hope.” One shared, “Watching the historic @KamalaHarris speech with my daughters and I’m the one crying. More women in leadership everywhere please.” Another said, “That was the speech of a leader. Thank you @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris for being yourselves and representing all Americans!”

A user commented, “I love the vibe that Kamala Harris projects. When Biden chose her, I thought it was a good pick, and I was blown away by her acceptance speech then. She did it again tonight. She is simply radiant!” One stated, “I cried at Kamala's speech. Tears of relief after the past 4 years.  Also thinking about all the little girls who are watching history be made. There is major work do be done, but I hope we can at least breathe now.”