This one had to sting for Donald Trump. Today Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote a note “congratulating” Joe Biden “on his victory in the presidential election in the United States of America.” The Kremlin released a note saying:
Vladimir Putin wished the President-elect every success and expressed confidence that Russia and the United States, which bear special responsibility for global security and stability, can, despite their differences, effectively contribute to solving many problems and meeting challenges that the world is facing today...
“For my part, I am ready for interaction and contacts with you,” Russia’s Head of State stressed.
It seems the electoral vote also finally swayed a handful of Republicans in the Senate. The Wall Street Journal reports:
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C) replied, “Yeah,” when reporters asked him if the Electoral College votes meant that Mr. Biden now is the president elect. “It’s a very, very narrow path for the president,” Mr. Graham said of Mr. Trump’s remaining options.
The AP adds, “Graham said Monday that he recently had a ‘pleasant’ 10-minute conversation with Biden and has spoken to some of the Democrat’s picks to lead his administration.”
Senator John Thune (R-SD) is also acknowledging that Biden is the rightful winner saying:
“I understand there are people who feel strongly about the outcome of this election. But in the end, at some point you have to face the music, and I think that once the Electoral College settles the issue today that it’s time for everybody to move on.”
The one Republican who outranks Thune in the Senate, Mitch McConnell continues to stay silent on Biden’s win.
UPDATE: Mitch McConnell finally recognized Biden as the President-Elect just after 10 am Tuesday morning.
