On the most anticipated and foreseeably an unforgettable day in the history of US elections, Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden visited his childhood hometown of Scranton in Pennsylvania. Biden signed one of the living room walls in his childhood home, writing, "From this house to the White House with the grace of God. Joe Biden 11-3-2020". But nothing could deter President Donald Trump’s confidence. In a telephonic interview to Fox News he said, “We feel very good.” Trump also stated that “Joe Biden is not prime time.” “I think we'll have victory, but only when there's victory," he added.
Trump vs Biden: Internet trends and preparations
According to Google search trends on November 3, 2020, Donald Trump was leading over Joe Biden in internet search as US votes in the presidential election were still on. Facebook pledged real-time monitoring of Election Day misinformation and manipulation efforts as voters began in-person balloting across the United States. Along with other social platforms, the company promised to stem misinformation around the election, including premature claims of victory, seeking to avoid a repeat of 2016 manipulation efforts. "Our Election Operations Center will continue monitoring a range of issues in real time -- including reports of voter suppression content," said a Facebook statement posted on Twitter.
U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency director Christopher Krebs told the Associated Press that there was "some early indication of system disruption,” but he did not divulge further information. Online reports claimed that the Wall Street's main indexes were set to jump at the open as investors bet on a Joe Biden victory followed by a swift deal on more fiscal stimulus after one of the most divisive presidential races in U.S. history.
What about voters who are infected?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the patients should let the election officials know about their diagnosis and wear a mask. They should also stay 1.8m away from other voters and officials and wash hands before and after voting. According to CNN, more than 2.5 million mail-in and absentee votes have been returned, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar announced.
Final sentiment on social media
Joe Biden tweeted: “In 2008 and 2012, you placed your trust in me to help lead this country alongside Barack Obama. Today, I’m asking for your trust once again — this time, in Kamala and me. We can heal the soul of this nation — I promise we won’t let you down.We can overcome these crises. We can take our country back. We can win the battle for the soul of the nation. It all begins today. Confirm your polling place at http://iwillvote.com/locate and go vote. Let’s do this — together.”
US Vice President candidate Kamala Harris tweeted: “Today we must vote like our lives depend on it. Because they do. We must vote like our democracy depends on it. Because it does. And we must vote like justice, equality, and opportunity are possible. Because they are.” In another tweet she said, “When @JoeBiden and I are in the White House we’ll listen to scientists, promote masks to save lives, implement nationwide testing and tracing, and ensure vaccines are free to all.”
In support of Biden and Harris, on November 3rd, former US President Barack Obama tweeted: “On Tuesday, you can choose change. You can choose a better America. You can elect @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. I am fired up to be back in Florida – let’s bring this home.”
Donald Trump’s social media account was rather low in frequency of posts. He tweeted: “To all of our supporters: thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have been there from the beginning, and I will never let you down. Your hopes are my hopes, your dreams are my dreams, and your future is what I am fighting for every single day!
All 435 seats in the US House are up for election as they are every two years. By the end of 2020, Joe Biden will either live by what he wished and wrote on the wall, or else White House will still be home to Donald Trump.
