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Added on the 07/11/2020 15:17:35 - Copyright : Wochit
Without exception, world leaders reacted to the news of Joe Biden becoming president-elect with glee. Heads of state from Canada, the UK, France, Ukraine, Australia, and Germany congratulated Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on Saturday. According to Business Insider, the congratulatory tweets to Biden and Harris were universally conciliatory and upbeat. It's no surprise, as Biden has been critical of President Donald Trump's approach to foreign policy. Biden has consistently advocated for a less confrontational approach to working with world leaders.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday placed the blame for the attack on the Capitol firmly at the feet of President Donald Trump. CNN reports the Kentucky Republican said on the Senate floor that Trump 'provoked' the violent insurrectionists on January 6th. The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the President and other powerful people. US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell McConnell's comments came as the Senate prepares to hold an impeachment trial over the House's charge of 'incitement of insurrection.' He said the despite the violence, Congress did its duty by certifying the victory of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.
Vice President Mike Pence and Pres. Donald Trump are spending the last days of their administration very differently. CNN reports that Mike Pence is dropping in on the White House phone operators. Pence is addressing troops at bases across the country. Pence is paying a visit to national guardsmen in place for the inauguration. Pence is speaking by phone with his successor, Kamala Harris. Trump, in denial and silenced on social media, is refusing to speak to Biden. Trump has also refused invitations to give a farewell address.
On Saturday, Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said he would object to the certification of Electoral College votes on Wednesday. Pres. Elect Joe Biden won the race in November. Trump and a number of his Republican allies have refused to accept the results. Business Insider reports the GOP have used baseless claims of widespread voter fraud. A number of other senators are expected to join Cruz, according to Axios. Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri has already said he planned to object to the certification next week. Fox News reports that Hawley's effort is separate.
Top US officials should get the COVID-19 vaccine right away, according to infectious disease experts. Dr. Anthony Fauci says Biden and Harris should get vaccinated "for security reasons." Biden has previously stated that he will take the vaccine once Fauci gives the go-ahead. Fauci also said Trump should be vaccinated, despite potentially developing antibodies. He referred to Trump's receiving of the vaccine as a way to be "doubly sure", says Business Insider.
U.S. President Barack Obama attends an outdoor arrival ceremony in heavy rain, as the first sitting U.S. president to visit Laos. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).