Clinches nomination 279-228

By Andrew Kutzer

After a divisive presidential campaign, businessman Donald Trump was declared the winner of the 2016 election in the early hours Wednesday.

The current tally has him at 279-228, according to a New York Times poll. Former Secretary of State, Clinton won the popular vote 48 percent to 47 percent.

President-elect Donald Trump                  photo courtesy of  apnews.com

President-elect Trump, the Republican nominee, was able to gain an early lead in key swing states that led to his election during the first few hours after the polls closed, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. Which awarded him enough electoral votes to put him over the 270-vote count needed to win.

He took the stage in New York City surrounded by family, supporters and staffers including vice-president elect Mike Pence. Trump complimented Clinton on her service and a “hard-fought” campaign.

“Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division. [We] have to get together,” said Trump. “To all Republicans and Democrats and independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people.”

Clinton gave a concession speech around 11 a.m. on Wednesday in New York after she had called to congratulate Trump on his victory, saying she would work with him “on behalf of the country.”

“I hope that [Trump] will be a successful president for all Americans,” said Clinton. “I feel pride and gratitude for this wonderful campaign that we built together…you represent the best of America, and being your candidate has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”

She arrived on stage with her husband, daughter, and vice-presidential nominee Tim Kaine and his wife. “We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought but I still believe in America and I always will,” said Clinton.

President Obama made a public statement at the White House on Wednesday, announcing he would meet with Trump on Thursday. He remained supportive of Clinton’s campaign. “She could not have been a better Secretary of State, I’m proud of her. A lot of Americans look up to her,” said Obama.

“But to the young people who got into politics for the first time and may be disappointed by the results, I just want you to know, you have to stay encouraged…don’t ever think you can’t make a difference,” he said.

Republicans held onto their majority in the House and picked up seats in the Senate to claim a majority, taking control of Congress and the White House on election night. Trump is scheduled to take the oath of office on Jan. 20, 2017.