The 2020 Presidential Election - What's Next?

On November 3, 2020, the nation came out in record numbers to elect the next President of the United States. As the year 2020 has progressed, Americans have been forced to overcome multiple challenges such as dealing with unemployment, national unrest, the spread of COVID-19, and losing loved-ones to the virus. With these challenges, the country has truly been shaken by 2020.  The 2020 Presidential Election will be one of the most significant and life-changing elections any American will ever witness. 

After nearly a week, on Saturday, November 7, 2020, Vice President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were officially named President-Elect and Vice President Elect. After a close, back and forth for days, Biden clinched the race with 290 electoral votes to President Trump's 214. In the largest turnout for a Presidential Election, Biden received 76,190,723 votes to Trump's 71,346,942. Traditionally Republican states like Georgia and Arizona, turned blue during this election. These states, coupled with a win for Biden in Pennsylvania and the state's 20 electoral votes, were determining factors for a Biden win.

As Election Day approached, many Americans have been keeping up with the presidential debates, polls, media posts.The final presidential debate took place on October 22 at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. During the debate, the candidates were questioned on multiple different topics including race in America, fighting COVID-19, climate change, American families, and national security. When asked what he would say to Americans that did not vote for him, Biden said: “I represent all of you, whether you voted for me or against me. And I’m going to make sure that you’re represented.” In response to the same question, Trump stated: “Success is going to bring us together. We are on the road to success.” Therefore, Americans were able to hear how each candidate plans to address these issues and lead the country in office. 

The 2020 Presidential Election has not only been one of the most important elections, but it has also been one of the most expensive. According to CNN News, the election has cost an approximate $14 billion, breaking records and topping the $12.8 billion spent during the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections combined. Mr. Biden has received over $930 million alone through mid-October in donations to his campaign. President Trump, who has been running for reelection almost since he was first sworn into office, has received more than $500 billion to his campaign during the two year cycle. With the donations the candidates have received, several advertisements have been featured on different platforms to support their campaigns. 

Finally, the nation will continue to wait until November 3 to see who will become the 46th president of the United States. Hopefully by 2021, we will have better control over COVID-19, lower numbers of cases and a vaccine to defeat the virus. Until then, may we stay safe and healthy, focus on better times, and remain united.