On the streets of Philadelphia, celebration over Biden’s win — and some skepticism

PHILADELPHIA – Thousands of people are took to the streets of Philadelphia on Saturday to celebrate President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory after Pennsylvania’s 20 electoral votes allowed him to surpass the 270 required to win the presidency.

The Associated Press projected Biden as the winner, taking 279 electoral votes, including 20 from Pennsylvania.

As soon as the news broke out, people started honking their car horns, shouting, dancing and bangin pots and pans outside their houses. Videos posted on Twitter also show overjoyed crowds doing backflips and waving Biden-Harris campaign flags, as well as posters saying “Black Lives Matter.”

Thousands celebrating at Philadelphia City Hall: cutouts of Biden and Harris waving in the air, a giant banner reading “The People Have Spoken,” another saying “Green New Deal Now,” someone blowing bubbles, huge bald eagle in the street, and the National Guard is still here pic.twitter.com/NYEzxCIqd8

— Oona Goodin-Smith (@oonagoodinsmith) November 7, 2020

“I’m here to celebrate Joe Biden. Everyone’s spirits are so high compared to 2016,” said Sage Levine, 21, a student at the University of Pennsylvania who was part of the crowd on Broad Street outside City Hall.

“The vibes were so good. I knew it was inevitable at some point. It was such a relief after such a tense and stressful week. I took a breathe of fresh air. Everyone’s spirits are so high compared to 2016.”

Sage Levine, 21, a student @Penn @sagelevine13 pic.twitter.com/hI1e5pESwN

— churail™️ (@rjaaaaaaaaaaa) November 7, 2020

In West Philadelphia, hundreds of people gathered at Clark Park to sing, dance and chant anti-Trump slogans.

https://twitter.com/juliana_f_reyes/status/1325140503734575107?s=21

In West Philadelphia, hundreds gathered at Clark Park to bang pots and pans, honk their car horns and dance following President-Elect @JoeBiden’s victory pic.twitter.com/ktJNNQN2xH

— churail™️ (@rjaaaaaaaaaaa) November 7, 2020

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney spoke to a crowd outside Independence Mall, declaring “It’s always sunny in Philadelphia.” Kenney also likened the celebration to a “second Super Bowl” and deemed the victory a historical moment, CBS News reported.

“I just want you to understand that when you want to know who got this done, who got Biden-Harris elected, look around at each other because it’s all you,” Kenney said. “Politicians do so much, sometimes they do too much, sometimes they say too much, but when working people decide to go do something, they go out and get it done and that’s what I’m proud of.”

Outside City Hall, people kicked around an inflatable doll with a picture of President Trump. People were also seen waving around satirical Trump balloons, pride flags and anti-police posters.

More outside City Hall following @JoeBiden’s victory. #Philadelphia #elections pic.twitter.com/w1TTW2Onze

— churail™️ (@rjaaaaaaaaaaa) November 7, 2020

Outside City Hall, Philladelphians beat up a Trump doll following President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory in Pennsylvania. #Election2020 #Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/a008sacXxZ

— churail™️ (@rjaaaaaaaaaaa) November 7, 2020

“Biden is a good and ethical leader and that’s a significant change the county needs,” said Christine O’Donnell, 48, who was celebrating outside City Hall.

“I think it’s overwhelming. Biden has a much better platform to help a majority of Americans. He is a good and ethical leader and that’s a significant change the county needs.” Christine O’Donnell, 48, celebrating outside City Hall. pic.twitter.com/U5yEYeNimB

— churail™️ (@rjaaaaaaaaaaa) November 7, 2020

Despite the ongoing celebration, many residents also expressed healthy skepticism about Biden’s victory.

“We know that the objective conditions that led to Trump’s rise are not different under Biden,” said Ted Kelly, 31, a member of the Workers World Party. “The important thing for us is to keep fighting white supremacy, ableism and sexism and for the working class – sex workers, gig workers, unemployed.”

“Were glad people are happy but the struggle is not over,” Kelly added.

“The objective conditions that led to Trump’s rise are not different under Biden,” said Ted Kelly, 31, from the Workers World Party. “The important thing for us is to keep fighting white supremacy, ableism & sexism, for the working class – sex workers, gig workers, unemployed.” pic.twitter.com/ea8MJK44vh

— churail™️ (@rjaaaaaaaaaaa) November 7, 2020