Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. has been elected the 46th president of the United States, after defeating President Donald Trump in one of the most divisive elections in U.S. history.
Biden's victory sets a major milestone in American history. His running mate, U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris of California, becomes the first woman and first person of color to win election to the vice presidency.
Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden, left, and Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., arrive before Biden speaks Friday in Wilmington, Del. [ CAROLYN KASTER | AP
But then the 77-year-old Biden is used to helping a younger running mate make history: He served as vice president to Barack Obama, who became the 44th president in 2009 - and the first African-American to hold the nation's highest office.
As Biden was poised to become the 46th president on Friday night, he appeared on national TV and confidently assured the country that victory was at hand.
"The numbers tell us a clear and convincing story: We're going to win this race," he said.
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