Joe Biden wins US election 2020, streets erupt in celebration

Celebrations have broken out in cities across America, as Joe Biden claims the US presidency from Donald Trump | WATCH LIVE

A woman dances after spraying prosecco onto the crowd as people celebrate on Black Lives Matter plaza across from the White House in Washington, DC on November 7. Picture: AFP

Celebrations have erupted across parts of America, as Joe Biden claims the US presidency from Donald Trump.

Street parties have broken out outside the White House in Washington DC, as well as New York and Pennsylvania.

Hundreds of Biden supporters cheered and sounded car horns as they and members of the president-elect’s family gathered at his election headquarters in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware ahead of a victory party.

After TV networks declared Biden, 77, the winner of Tuesday’s election shortly before 11:30am local time, scores of Democrats descended on the Chase Center, where the next president of the United States will lead celebrations later.

Inside the adjacent Westin Hotel, Biden’s family and campaign team expressed their delight at Biden rendering Donald Trump a one-term president.

“I’m overjoyed,” Biden’s younger brother Jim Biden said. Campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon said she had been on a run when her mother called to tell her that CNN had called the election for Biden.

“Ecstatic — a great day for this county,” she told reporters, after walking through the hotel’s lobby in a white Biden T-shirt.

Shortly before the long-awaited announcement, Biden’s sister Valerie Biden Owens described the result as “wonderful.” “It’s a wonderful thing for us but it’s a better thing for America,” she told reporters.

People celebrate on Black Lives Matter plaza across from the White House in Washington, DC on November 7. Picture: AFP

Symone Sanders, a senior advisor to Biden, said his team were “elated and excited.” “This is a win, frankly, for America,” she told reporters.

Outside the venue’s perimeter fence, Biden fans waved balloons, American flags and held up Biden-Harris placards. They shared food and drink as they waited in hopes of catching a glimpse of Biden later.

The president-elect is due to take to the stage in the center’s parking lot around 8:00pm (noon AEST)

Several hundred cars full of supporters are expected to attend the drive-in rally for an election victory party that will be unlike any other due to social distancing restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Fireworks and music are expected. Biden will be joined by his wife Jill, America’s next vice president Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff.

A little over a mile away, in downtown Wilmington, locals expressed an outpouring of joy at the sleepy city’s favourite son ascending to the highest office in the country.

“I’m happy, I wanted Trump out,” said 31-year-old Kristina Moncada. “It’s awesome because he knows the area. He’s just more relatable, he’s a genuine guy. He means what he says and he’ll keep his word.” Aaron Fisher, 31, cut short his gym session when he heard the news to get ready to head to the celebrations.

“It’s about time. They’ve been having us wait for a good while for the results. I felt like we knew it was gonna happen. It’s like delayed gratification,” he told AFP.

People ring bells as they celebrate at Times Square in New York. Picture: AFP

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, meanwhile, has joined other world leaders in congratulating Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their election, saying Australia “wishes you every success in office”.

The Australia-US alliance is deep and enduring, and built on shared values,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

“I look forward to working with you closely as we face the world’s many challenges together.”

Congratulations to @joebiden and @kamalaharris - Australia wishes you every success in office. The Australia-US Alliance is deep and enduring, and built on shared values. I look forward to working with you closely as we face the world’s many challenges together.

— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) November 7, 2020

Congratulations to @JoeBiden on being elected 46th President of the US & to @SenKamalaHarris, the first woman to hold the office of Vice President.

Australia looks forward to working with the Biden Administration, building on our strong and valued alliance. 🇦🇺🇺🇸 https://t.co/YOAXEkVzDN

— Marise Payne (@MarisePayne) November 7, 2020

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau became one of the first world leaders to congratulate Joe Biden on winning the White House, shortly after US media called the race for the 77-year-old former vice president.

“I look forward to working with President-elect Biden, Vice President-elect (Kamala) Harris, their administration, and the United States Congress as we tackle the world’s greatest challenges together,” Mr Trudeau said in a statement.

Il y a quelques semaines, mon fils de six ans m’a demandé « Papa, est-ce que la COVID, c’est pour toujours? » Eh bien non. Et il ne faut pas oublier que des jours meilleurs s’en viennent. Travaillons fort, respectons les consignes sanitaires et on va passer à travers ensemble. pic.twitter.com/zACBjZuYWB

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 28, 2020

Boris Johnson tweeted his congratulations, saying: “The US is our most important ally and I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities.” Mr Boris also congratulated Kamala Harris on her “historic achievement.”

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, congratulated Mr Biden but sent a separate tweet of congratulations to Ms Harris, saying her election was a”big and special moment.”

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: “We have a lot to do to overcome today’s challenges”.

Chancellor #Merkel congratulates @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. #Election2020 pic.twitter.com/A9Vwy1XYAR

— Steffen Seibert (@RegSprecher) November 7, 2020

Irish Prime minister Micheal Martin was another leader to offer early congratulations, reminding the world of Mr Biden’s Irish heritage.

“Ireland takes pride in Joe Biden’s election, just as we are proud of all the generations of Irish women and Irish men and their ancestors whose toil and genius have enriched the diversity that powers America,” Mr Martin said in a statement.

Supporters of president-elect Joe Biden celebrate his victory in the 2020 presidential election outside the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware on November 7. Picture: AFP

“This is a particularly special day for the people of County Louth and of County Mayo who count president-elect Biden among their own,” he said, pledging to welcome Mr Biden back to Ireland when circumstances allow.

“Joe Biden has always been a stalwart friend and supporter of Ireland, including of the prosperity, stability and opportunity made possible by the Good Friday Agreement (for Northern Ireland), to which he has pledged his ongoing steadfast support.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Facebook: “Congratulations Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on your well-deserved win.

London looks forward to working with you — it’s time to get back to building bridges, not walls.”

In Australia, former Prime Minister Malacolm Turnbull tweeted: “What a relief that you won.”

AFP