Congratulations to Joe Biden on becoming president, and thanks to Donald Trump for his legacy

President Donald J Trump has not accepted the outcome, and is continuing to pursue legal challenges to it.

But his path to staying in the White House seems almost hopeless and involves overturning at least one state result.

President elect Biden secured a huge vote total across America, the biggest ever for a presidential contender, last night edging its way towards 80 million. President Trump likewise broke records, and now has the second highest ever vote, last night edging its way towards 75 million.

Mr Trump lost by a bigger percentage vote margin than he did to Hillary Clinton in 2016 (who got more votes than him but lost in the so-called electoral college).

His relentlessly abrasive leadership alienated moderates, which was why his approval ratings were some of the lowest ever. Mr Trump’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic was widely perceived to be shambolic.

But the president should be proud of many aspects of his legacy. He shook up a political establishment in America and in major countries overseas, by refusing to accept conventional wisdoms on matters such as trade.

Mr Trump was called ‘Islamophobic’ when in fact he was bluntly displaying the contempt for terrorism that President Emmanuel Macron of France has the courage to display.

He tackled the ruthless, repressive China and backed the United Kingdom in its departure from the European Union.

Unfortunately, Mr Trump’s often cruel rhetoric and his chaotic style alienated too many US voters.

America is a very important and trusted friend of Northern Ireland. President elect Biden and Vice president elect Kamala Harris deserve warm congratulations on their win.

It is to be hoped that they eschew the radical agenda of many influential politicians in their Democratic Party, and they maintain excellent relations with the United Kingdom.

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