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The Story Joe Biden is now the president-elect of the United States. What. A. Ride. Indeed. After a long few days of waiting for results, the race was finally called over the weekend. Biden reached the threshold needed to win with a projected 279 votes in the Electoral College. This was a historic election that drew a record number of voters even as a global pandemic worsened alongside it. Both he and President Donald Trump received more popular votes than any other candidate ever – with Biden's tally at over 75 million and Trump's at more than 71 million. Biden is the first candidate to beat an incumbent president since 1992. And is proving that the third time's a charm. How? Because this was his third run for president after going for it in 1988 and 2008. Biden made a name for himself as Delaware's longest-serving senator and as VP for former President Obama's two terms. He campaigned this time on a number of issues, including combating COVID-19, expanding the Affordable Care Act, and passing the Equality Act to ban discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Looks like it worked. Yes, but thin margins in key states like Arizona, Wisconsin, and a recount in Georgia show just how divided the country is on who should lead and what direction we should go. Plus Biden could face a divided Congress. Right now, Democrats are projected to keep control of the House, but with a smaller majority after losing at least seven seats to the GOP. The Senate still hasn't been called. But if Republicans keep control of it, Biden might have a hard time checking items off his agenda as he faces a worsening pandemic, high unemployment, and calls to confront the country's history of systemic racism. So how did he clinch the win? It was a close race overall, with both candidates maintaining their expected strongholds (Trump in the South, Biden in the Northeast and coastal states). But Biden won Wisconsin and Michigan – two key states that Trump won in 2016. And then Pennsylvania over the weekend, which put him over the 270 threshold. After the win was announced, celebrations broke out all over the country. And the rest is history. Speaking of... I'm speaking. No, she's speaking. Meet: Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. She'll be the first woman, first Black person, and first South Asian American to hold the VP title. She's also the daughter of immigrants. And a US senator repping California since 2017. To add to the historic nature of this win: it comes in the same year as the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote. One more time for the people in the back: over 200 years after the US's first presidential election, and 100 years after women were given the right to vote, we're finally going to see a female VP. Let that sink in. Harris spoke on Saturday and praised the many diverse women who helped pave the way for her to break a centuries-old glass ceiling. What about Trump? So far, he's refused to concede. Instead claiming that he can still win, that the election isn't over, and that there'd been widespread voter fraud. Note: top election officials have not reported any widespread issues of fraud and the president has yet to bring any hard evidence to the table. His campaign is still disputing the results of several states, including calling for a recount in Wisconsin. And is threatening that more lawsuits are coming. Meaning: it's possible that this could end up in a long-drawn-out legal battle. Wait...does Trump have to concede? Legally, no. But it's part of the playbook 'How to Achieve a Peaceful Transfer of Power.' But Biden is already looking ahead: creating a new COVID-19 task force, and promising to rejoin the Paris climate deal and to reinstate the DACA program. theSkimm Americans faced a choice between two candidates who projected starkly different views for the future of this country. In the end, Biden's vision won out. The president-elect has called for unity and says he will be a president for everyone, regardless of how they voted. Time will tell if that helps heal a bitterly divided country. | | | | | |
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Who people are remembering… Alex Trebek. Yesterday, the longtime "Jeopardy!" host died at the age of 80 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Last year, Trebek revealed his stage 4 diagnosis, prompting a wave of support from fans. Born in Ontario, Canada, Trebek started his career in broadcast journalism before moving to the US and hosting several shows, including "Double Dare," "The $128,000 Question," and "Battlestars." But in 1984, Trebek landed his big break as the host of "Jeopardy!" – where he appeared in more than 8,000 episodes over 37 seasons. He became a household name and was known for his calm and kind demeanor toward contestants – and also for throwing shade once in a while. He won six Daytime Emmys and a Lifetime Achievement Award back in 2011. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau remembered Trebek as an "icon." RIP. | | | | | |
What's still up in the air… The Senate. Right now, Republicans are clinging to the chamber as some races are too close to call. And it looks like the upper house's fate will remain in the balance for a bit longer as two Senate races in Georgia head to a runoff election in January. On the ballot: Incumbent Sen. David Perdue (R) and challenger Jon Ossoff (D). As well as Raphael Warnock (D), who's hoping to oust Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R). Right now, news outlets have Democrats and Republicans tied 48 to 48. And whoever wins in Georgia could help solidify control of the Senate – which has had a Republican majority since 2015. | | | | | |
What people are watching… Ethiopia. Last week, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched a military operation in the country's northern Tigray region. Abiy claimed he launched the operation after the Tigray People's Liberation Front attacked a military base and tried to steal equipment. For days now, jets have bombed the region, with health officials reporting at least six people dead and 60 others injured. Many fear the country could be on the brink of a civil war. | | | | | |
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|  | | | Hot chocolate. Your fireplace. Maybe some snow outside. The holidays are almost here. So we partnered with Target to help you get your space ready for peak coziness. Here are a few products we're adding to cart…
A modern Christmas tree pillow ($20). This one is part of a collection and has handcrafted embellishments and layers of tassels, giving it some cool texture and a bohemian feel. Just the whimsical touch your couch needs.
A cable knit throw with a sherpa side ($30). This blanket is soft and mega cozy. Perfect for snuggles (and chestnuts) by an open fire.
A doormat ($13). Because is it even the holidays without one? Plus, this one has glitter. Talk about adding some sparkle to the season. | | |
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| | Here are our favorite picks to help you take a break today...
1. 27 Trader Joe's frozen foods you should always have on hand. Because in 2020, you never know when you'll urgently need a dumpling or gorgonzola gnocchi.
2. 9 easy, relaxing art projects. Not to be dramatic or anything...but we're pretty sure playdough is the greatest creation of all time.
3. A smarter, eco-friendly way to clean. You've DIYed it all this year. Now it's time to make your own disinfectant. All you need is this appliance, salt, water, and vinegar to kill 99.9% of germs. And you can reuse the bottles the next time. Skimm'rs get 25% off starter kits. Mess=gone.*
PS: Want more? Sign up to get weekly recs in your inbox. | | |
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| | For when you are in charge of the wine list this Thanksgiving...
Blue Apron has your back. They broke down the perfect pairings for your Turkey Day feast. Plus which wines to go with if you're going the simpler 'bottle of red, bottle of white' route. (Almost) time to wine and dine.*
For when the holidays are finally giving you a reason to put your face on… To the mirror. This brand's best-selling Ultimate Eye Essentials Set comes with a free tube of their best-selling mascara. So you can get a gift for you when you get a gift for someone else. Go for glam.*
For when you like to run through alllll the possibilities before making a decision... Talk about thorough. When you're trying to find the best life insurance for you, compare personalized quotes with Policygenius. They could help you save 50% or more on your annual premiums. Those savings really add up over time. Be super sure.*
For when you spent the last month making your home cozy AF... Protect your nest with a security system from SimpliSafe. It's simple to set up yourself. And your home will be backed by experts who are ready to dispatch police, fire, or medical professionals 24/7. PS: Skimm'rs get 25% off plus a free camera. Snuggle up.* | | | *PS: This is a sponsored post. | | | |
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| | Just like us, McDonald's knows that community matters more than ever in times like these. That's why they're dedicated to giving back (see: donating meals to first-responders during the pandemic and after natural disasters). Together, we want to celebrate Skimm'rs who are making an impact in their own communities. Share your story or nominate a friend here for a chance to be featured throughout the month. Oh, and get a $100 Visa gift card.*
Cleaning up with...Maddy M (OK). She's a mom to two boys and the founder of Permanent Diaper Relief – a nonprofit in Tulsa, OK, that provides permanent diaper solutions to families through reusable diapers and a diaper cleaning service. Learn more.
Deck the streets...Bess W (NY). She started a fundraiser to save her neighborhood's holiday lights. Because of COVID-related financial difficulties, local businesses haven't been able to fund the decorations. So Bess reached out to neighbors and friends and raised enough money to bring the holiday cheer back to her community this year.
(Some) Birthdays...Bernie Cohen (NJ), Yerin Kim (VA), Margaret Crow (NC), Danielle Sandahl (MA), Veronica Lapetina (IL), Dylan Garbarini (MO), Katelyn Sperle (SC), Lisa Blanchard (CO), Shawn Quinn (TX), Sara Harmon (IN), Rebecca Winsell (CA), Brandy Salo (VT), Jacqueline Doerr (NY), Susan Smith-Shannon (PA), Emily Mehlman (AK) | | |
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| | Skimm HQ is confused by the weather. Share theSkimm with your friend who gets sunny days all year round. | |  |  | | | Or use this referral link theskimm.com/?r=41fd50f9 | | |
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| Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Niven McCall-Mazza, and Clem Robineau | |
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