Finally!

As you’ll have heard, all the major networks (plus AP) have called the race for Biden. There are still some states that have yet to be projected but the overall decision is unanimous.

Although it was always unlikely to be called on Election Night, it has been a long wait for US voters and the world. If you’re anything like me, you’ll still see 253-213 even when your eyes are closed!

As we move beyond the election itself (and tonight’s speeches), there will be lots of other news that will move to the front of the queue. I won’t spend any time discussing them in detail today but I’d imagine a few of them will become the subject of future posts.

• What will the final exit polls tell us about voter shifts (especially amongst different socioeconomic, racial and gender groups)?
• What will the overall margin be?
• Who will be in Biden’s cabinet?
• What will Trump do between now and 20th January 2021?
• What will happen in the double senate run off in Georgia (the next electoral excitement)?
• How will Republican politicians and supporters react?

A final few thoughts before I go back to CNN: the first is that no, the polls weren’t wrong. This was a standard polling error and I’ve discussed this a number of times previously. The second is that I really hope that the sheer length and nail biting suspense of this election has ignited an interest in US politics. It’s been a major interest of mine for years so why not follow the transition as some lockdown escapism? I’ll happily be your guide so please pop by this blog when you can and feel free to share with friends.