This presidential race has been one for the books, with upsets and unpredictability at every turn. The past 18 months were all building up to Tuesday, when voters formed lines to cast their ballets. Millions of Americans held their breath into the night, crossing their fingers and praying that their nominee would prevail. To some’s disgust and others’ happiness, Donald Trump gave his victory speech at approximately three o’clock in the morning.

The number of popular votes for the elect was 59,611,678, yet was outnumbered by Hillary’s 59,814,018 votes, giving her a .2% lead. However, Trump won a greater number of essential states causing him to have a larger sum of electoral votes. The nominees needed 270 to be elected, Trump received 279 and Hillary received 228.

In his speech, Mr. Trump stated, “Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division… To all Republicans and Democrats and independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people. It’s time. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans, and this is so important to me… Working together, we will begin the urgent task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the American dream… We must reclaim our country’s destiny and dream big and bold and daring.”

Hillary’s concession speech followed hours later, “Last night I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country. I hope that he will be a successful president for all Americans, this is not the outcome we wanted or we worked so hard for and I’m sorry that we did not win this election for the values we share and the visions we hold for our country but I feel pride and gratitude for this wonderful campaign that we built together…”

This year’s election was unlike any previous, it divided the country in an unimaginable way and has already sparked riots in multiple locations. The nation requires a strong leader to unify and heal its’ people, yet many are concerned Mr. Trump lacks the ability to do so. Nevertheless, the outcome has already strengthened relations with several foreign countries including Russia and Israel. The result of this election has shown U.S. citizens what high voter turnouts can do, it can quickly upset and change the predicted outcome of an entire presidential race.

President Barack Obama gave a speech Wednesday as well, saying, “…we have to remember that we’re actually all on one team… we’re not democrats first, we’re not republicans first, we are Americans first. We’re patriots first. We all want what’s best for this country. That’s what I heard in Mr. Trump’s remarks last night, that’s what I heard when I spoke to him directly… That’s what the country needs, a sense of unity, a sense of inclusion, a respect for our institutions, our way of life, rule of law and a respect for each other. I hope that he maintains that spirit throughout this transition and I certainly hope that’s how his presidency has a chance to begin.”