Donald Trump defied expectations and defeated Hillary Clinton in the U.S. presidential election. Trump obtained the 270 electoral votes necessary to become president after the Associated Press declared him victorious in Wisconsin.
BREAKING: Donald Trump is elected president of the United States. pic.twitter.com/yJpgfsAbc6
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 9, 2016
CNN confirmed at 2:40 a.m. Eastern time Clinton called Trump to concede the presidency. Politico, NPR and the Washington Post all declared Trump the winner before Clinton conceded.
John Podesta, chair of the Clinton campaign, addressed Clinton’s Democratic watch party in New York. He told the crowd to go home because Clinton will address the country in the morning.
Vice presidential elect Mike Pence introduced Trump to the stage to address the nation for the first time as the next president of the United States just a few blocks away.
“This is a historic night, the American people have spoken and they have elected their new champion,” Pence said.
Trump vowed to bind the wounds of division in the nation. He promised to reach to out those who did not support his campaign for their guidance and help to unify the great country.
“I pledge to every citizen of our land I will be president for every citizen,” Trump said after taking the stage. “Hillary has worked very long and hard and we owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to this nation.”
Trump thanked his family and political allies, who contributed to his unexpected victory.
Arizona’s 11 electoral votes contributed to Trump’s decisive electoral majority. Trump won the nation with a majority of the popular vote. In Arizona, he won 49.69 percent of the vote with 97.6 percent of precinct reporting.
“Trump wasn’t my initial favorite but he represents the people of this nation more,” said Paul Wildum, a UA business administration and political science undergraduate. “I am not a fan of all his policies, but I dislike all of Clinton’s policies.”
In his eyes, he had no choice but to vote for Trump.
Arizona Sen. John McCain and Sen. Jeff Flake declined to endorse or vote for Trump this election. Neither Clinton nor Trump constituted a conservative and secure choice for president in their opinion.
While some state Republicans reluctantly voted for Trump, other supported his candidacy without reserve.
“I want him to build the wall,” said Courtland Watters, a local Republican. “ I like his demeanor and his ability to talk as a normal person.”
Before election night, Arizona was considered a battleground state. Clinton and Trump campaigned heavily in the state through television ads.
“Hillary Clinton reached out to us and the Democratic party responded here in the state of Arizona,” said Pima Country District 5 Supervisor Richard Elías. “We probably helped saved the soul of the United States of America from a bigoted and hateful man.”
The mood at the Pima County Democratic watch party turned somber as the night continued.
“If Trump pulls this out, we need to have change,” said Arizona Sen. Steve Farley. ”Really deep, societal change, in which people work together.”
Clinton’s inability to secure votes in the Rust Belt states and her underperformance in the Sun Belt contributed to an electoral victory for Trump. Trump will serve under a Republican House and a Republican Senate.
“Working together, we will begin the urgent task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the American dream,” Trump said during his acceptance speech. ”The forgotten will not be forgotten anymore.”
Trump said America’s infrastructure will be second to none, he will put millions of people to work and finally take care of the country’s great veterans.
“American will no longer settle for anything less than the best,” Trump said. “We must reclaim American destiny. I promise you I will not let you down.”
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