Biden pledges to work for unity -NHK WORLD-JAPAN -10 hours ago
US President-elect Joe Biden is pledging to work toward unifying the country after a deeply divisive election. Incumbent President Donald Trump, however, still refuses to concede.
Votes are still being counted in some states. But a projected win in Pennsylvania gives Biden enough electoral college votes to take the White House. Major media outlets say Biden has won the state.
Biden said :"Folks, the people of this nation have spoken. They have delivered us a clear victory. A victory for 'We the people.' We have won with the most votes ever cast for a presidential ticket in the history of this nation--74 million."
He added : "I'm humbled by the trust and confidence you placed in me. I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide, but unify, who doesn't see red states and blue states, only sees the United States."
His running mate, Kamala Harris, is to become the country's first female vice president. She will also be the first African-American and Asian-American to assume the post.
Trump issued a statement after the media reported Biden's win. He said : "The simple fact is this election is far from over."
The president has been actively engaged on social media, tweeting unfounded claims of rampant voter fraud. Some of his messages have been flagged by Twitter as disputed or misleading.
A US presidential election traditionally ends when a candidate concedes defeat. But Trump has shown no sign he's ready to do so. His team of lawyers is pursuing a strategy of challenging the results in court.
