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WILMINGTON.
Joy and hope when Joe Biden gave his historic victory speech in his hometown of Wilmington last night.
The newly elected president of the United States spoke about how he should unite a divided country now.
– We need someone who can heal us again, says Laura Friedman, 21.
It has been a four-day emotional roller coaster for many voters. But with an extended lead in Pennsylvania, it became clear Saturday:
The next president of the United States is Joe Biden.
After the announcement, thousands of people made a pilgrimage to the Chase Center in Wilmington for the moment they were waiting for: a victory number.
The crowd cheers as Biden’s car procession turns into the parking lot inside the steel fence.
Photo: Pontus Höök
Thousands of people had gathered at the Chase Center in Wilmington to watch the speech on the big screen.
Photo: Pontus Höök
Laura Friedman, 21, and Danielle Jones, 22, of Wilmington were in attendance.
Also friends Laura Friedman, 21, and Danielle Jones, 22, who live together in Wilmington, and say they want to be there for a historic moment.
– It has been a crucial choice for so many people in America: for Black Lives Matter, women, minorities and homosexuals. It’s like we get a fix, says Danielle.
– A great weight has been lifted from our shoulders. The stakes were high in this election. People showed that they stand for what they believe in, adds Lauren.
In the Wilmington parking lot, several people climbed on streetlights and stood on the roofs of cars.. Biden’s flags have been transformed into mantles and a sea of people waving blue lamp posts against the black night sky. Sometimes the area turns into a giant dance floor.
Euphoric singing
The electoral campaign complicated by a pandemic has been long and led to this redemptive moment. Many describe how anxiety is replaced by joy. And when the song “Where’s the Love?” Plays, Biden’s voters join in euphoric chants.
Photo: Pontus Höök
Yasmine Ali, 21, drove for two hours to get to the scene.
Yasmine Ali, 21, was so inspired by Biden’s victory that she drove alone for two hours to be in his place. She is voting for the first time in Pennsylvania, one of the crucial voices that may have brought the 77-year-old Democrat to the White House.
– I feel overwhelmed. Trump has had great election rallies, but Biden voters have almost never been allowed to celebrate together in this way. So I am elated and very happy to share this moment with many others, she says.
When future Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage, people cheer and raise their fists in victory gestures as they sing “Kamala, Kamala.”
“She may be the first woman in office, but not the last,” Harris said from the stage.
Photo: Pontus Höök
Sometimes the parking lot turned into a big dance floor.
Deafening applause
When he introduces the new president in his hometown, the cheers are deafening.
Joe Biden does not once mention Donald Trump’s name from the stage, but he addresses all those who voted for the incumbent Republican president. And there are many: 70 million Americans.
– I will not be a president who divides, but one who unites. We are not red and blue states, we are America, Biden said in the victory speech.
– I will work both for those who did not vote for me and for those who did.
Students Danielle and Lauren stand together and listen to Biden with folded hands as their faces light up on the big screen.
– I cried about five times. It was very emotional and hopeful, Danielle Jones says afterward.
Lauren Friedman agrees.
– It was good to see a competent president for once. Spread hope and love, which contrasts with what we have seen in the last four years. We need someone who can heal us again.
The evening culminates with confetti bombs, fireworks and luminous drones that make up the map of the United States and write Biden’s name in the sky to the saxophone riff on “Simply the best.”
Voter Yasmine Ali is relieved after a week of intense nervousness.
– It is wonderful to be able to stay in an atmosphere where we can all feel the same joy for the future. Biden’s speech was inspiring and it was great to finally hear someone who sounded like a president again.
Photo: Pontus Höök
Pontus Höök and Emelie Svensson in Wilmington, Delaware.
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