The Announcement of Joe Biden’s Electoral Victory

The Announcement of Joe Biden’s Electoral Victory

November 7, 2020

The outpouring of joy across many US cities, prompted by the announcement of Joe Biden’s Electoral victory and, even more so, the defeat and repudiation of the Trump Presidency, resembled less the usual results of a US presidential election, but a reaction more akin to when a nation topples a tyrant.   The city of West Hollywood, California, a strong-hold of liberal identity, was one of the sites of these impromptu celebrations that erupted after four restless days of waiting for the election results.  In addition to the revelers rejoicing in the streets, a celebratory traffic jam was formed for miles down Santa Monica Boulevard. The line of vehicles dressed in victory décor, with rejoicing passengers waving signs and American flags, created a deafening ensemble of blasting car horns.  The celebration in cars mostly seemed to stem from people wanting to participate in the festivities while observing COVID-19 safety measures, but residents of the greater Los Angeles area need little excuse to exist and experience life through their cars.   

Amongst the jubilee and the much needed public catharsis that came with the announcement, it was hard for me not to feel uneasy.  Over 70 million Americans voted in opposition to the catalyst of this celebration and fears of undermining the legitimacy of the democratic results loomed large over the election.   These things seemed unlikely to iron themselves out smoothly in the coming months and I am sure I wasn’t the only one with this in the back of my mind while wandering through the public elation. But the day was for celebrating, there would be plenty of time in the near future to wrestle with our difficult realities.