All of the emotions and anxiety of the American people have been building up for a special week. 

Every four years, the United States holds an election that will decide their new leader. This year, the two front runners were current President Donald Trump and Former Vice President Joe Biden. On Saturday, November 7, the Associated Press was finally able to display the projected winner as Former Vice President Joe Biden. As of Sunday night, Biden secured 290 electoral votes, making him the projected winner. 

This result left many wondering what effect this will have on the nation and what the president-elect will plan to do. Biden gave a victory speech in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday, November 7, where he addressed the American people.

“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,” Biden said. “I’ll work with all my heart, with the confidence of the whole people, to win the confidence of all of you. And that is what America, I believe, is all about. It’s about the people. And that’s what our administration will be all about. I sought this office to restore the backbone of this nation: the middle class. And to make America respected around the world again. And to unite us here at home.”

On top of the President’s political party changing, another change came with the election results, and it made history. Kamala Harris was elected as the next Vice President, meaning she will be the first woman to hold that position. Additionally, that will also make her the first black person and the first person of Asian descent in office. With Harris in such a high position, this shows the American people what is capable. She also addressed the nation on Saturday night, speaking words that many stated they needed to hear.

“What a testament it is to Joe’s character that he had the audacity to break one of the most substantial barriers that exists in our country and select a woman as his Vice President,” Harris said. “But while I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last, because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities. And to the children of our country, regardless of your gender, our country has sent you a clear message: Dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see yourselves in a way others may not, simply because they’ve never seen it before, but know that we will applaud you every step of the way.”

Closer to home, many Xavier students waited anxiously for the results to be announced. Days before the projected winner was announced, Xavier’s hallways filled with discussions of politics. Junior Erin Doyle explained her thoughts on what the election has been like from a student’s perspective.

“It made my day to hear that Joe Biden reached over 270 electoral votes. It was also very exciting to hear that as our Vice President, we will have a woman of color in office,” Doyle said. “I think it’s important for young people in the USA to see Kamala Harris as Vice President to show that anything is possible for them.” 

To find out more about the results of every category of each election and to stay updated, visit www.ap.org.