Biden Projected Next President of the United States 

After a contentious campaign season and days of counting votes, former Vice President Joe Biden has been declared president-elect of the 2020 presidential election.  

The declaration came as the result of Biden’s projected victories in several key states, including Wisconsin and Michigan on Wednesday and Pennsylvania late Saturday morning.  

“CBS news projects that Joe Biden has won this year’s presidential election,” CBS news anchor Norah O’Donnell said. “That is because CBS news now believes that Mr. Biden is the winner of the state of Pennsylvania, capturing its 20 electoral votes. That gives him 273 votes in the electoral college, more than the 270 that he needs to be elected.” 

Biden’s projected win means his running mate, California senator Kamala Harris, will serve as Vice President – the first woman, first Black person and first person of South Asian heritage to do so. Harris acknowledged this in a speech given on Saturday night. 

“But while I may be the first woman in this office,” Harris said. “I will not be the last, because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.” 

Current President Donald Trump has refused to concede the election, and instead plans to pursue litigation, according to a statement released on Saturday.  

“Beginning Monday,” the statement said, “our campaign will start prosecuting our case in court to ensure election laws are fully upheld and the rightful winner is seated.” 

Though it is unclear what impacts, if any, these lawsuits may bring, Biden has declared victory and is already planning to transition into the role of President. In a speech given on Saturday night in Wilmington, DE, he called for unity.  

“To make progress, we must stop treating our opponents as enemies,” Biden said. “We are not enemies. We are Americans.”