President-elect Joe Biden delivered a celebratory message in his first remarks Saturday following a bitter and divisive battle for the presidency. Calling it a "time to heal in America," Biden promised to restore a spirit of civility, decency and compromise to the White House. He said it is part of an election "mandate from the American people," setting a different tone from the tumultuous and divisive four years under Trump.
Biden also made a direct appeal to Trump supporters, some of whom protested the former vice president's election win Saturday outside statehouses across the country. "For all those of you who voted for President Trump, I understand the disappointment," Biden said empathetically. "But now let's give each other a chance. It's time to put away the harsh rhetoric, lower the temperature, see each other again, listen to each other again."
Biden will become the oldest president in American history, a title previously held by Ronald Reagan. President-elect Biden, who will turn 78 on Nov. 20, was born in 1942 during World War II.
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Just call her "Professor FLOTUS": The first thing to know about America's next first lady is that Jill Biden — a college English professor with four degrees, including a doctorate — is going to be a very busy FLOTUS. She intends to be the first in the role's 231-year history to pursue her career and keep a paying job while living in the White House and serving as first lady.
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Introducing the nation's first "second gentleman": Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff, will soon have a historic role of his own: "Second gentleman." Emhoff will be the first male spouse of any vice president or president.
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The White House has been without dogs for four years — that's changing with Biden. The president-elect will be ushering in two new first dogs when he makes his move to the White House: German shepherds Major and Champ.
Will the president concede?
President Donald Trump continues to contest the results of the cliffhanger election, arguing without evidence that hundreds of thousands of votes are in question . Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and senior adviser, has told others that he has urged the president to accept the outcome of the race, The Associated Press reported. CNN also reported Sunday that first lady Melania Trump has also urged the president to accept defeat. This comes after the Trump campaign said in a statement that Joe Biden is "rushing to falsely pose as the winner" and is gearing up for a legal battle over the election results beginning on Monday.
Trump may be leaving the White House — but he's unlikely to be leaving public life . Trump will continue to be a presence on the national stage, said friends and foes. What shape that takes — from a role as a television personality to a candidate for office again — remains to be seen. Speculation has flown around for months about Trump's potential next steps, including reports that he may launch a television network or continue to headline the raucous rallies that have drawn supporters by the thousands. Whatever it is, allies said they expect Trump to try to exert influence over a Republican Party he has transformed since launching his first presidential run in 2015.
President Trump speaking with reporters.
Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian
From one world leader to the next...
Former President Barack Obama congratulated Biden and Harris on their election victory in a lengthy statement issued on Twitter and called on the new leaders to mend this "deeply and bitterly divided" country. "I know he'll do the job with the best interests of every American at heart, whether or not he had their vote," Obama wrote. "So I encourage every American to give him a chance and lend him your support." Former President George W. Bush also offered a congratulatory message to the president-elect and vice president-elect. "Though we have political differences, I know Joe Biden to be a good man, who has won his opportunity to lead and unify our country," Bush said.
Alex Trebek of 'Jeopardy!' dies at 80 after pancreatic cancer battle
Game show legend Alex Trebek, the beloved "Jeopardy!" host who showed dignity and perseverance in dealing with a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis in March 2019, died Sunday. He was 80 . Trebek, who won seven Emmys, has been synonymous with "Jeopardy!" since its syndicated revival premiered in 1984. When Trebek received the staggering cancer news, he shared it with the public in an online video that didn't sugarcoat its serious nature but still conveyed hope and determination. He was back at work less than a week later. Trebek's last day in the studio was Oct. 29, and episodes hosted by the legend will air through Christmas.
"Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek on the set in September 2011, in Culver City, Calif.
GETTY IMAGES
50 million COVID-19 cases globally
As the world watched America elect its next president, the coronavirus pandemic quietly surpassed 50 million cases globally . The United States also recorded 126,742 cases Saturday — the third day in a row the total exceeded 120,000, according to data from Johns Hopkins. Will a new leader change how the United States battles the deadly virus? Biden has vowed to do what Trump could not: "Get this virus under control." Currently, the United States has about 20% of the world's cases despite making up just 4.3% of the total population.
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Biden's approach to tackling COVID-19 will be dramatically different, and quickly apparent.
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