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Joe Biden and Kamala Harris named TIME Person of the Year

President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris were named TIME’s Person of the Year on Thursday, during the first-ever televised announcement in the magazine’s history. While every U.S. president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt has been the Person of the Year at some point during their term, Kamala Harris is the first vice president to receive the honor.

TIME’s editor-in-chief Edward Felsenthal explained why the pair were chosen over finalists like Outgoing-President Donald Trump and infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci.

“Person of the Year is not just about the year that was,” said Felsenthal, “but about where we're headed. And the next four years are going to be an enormous test of them and all of us to see whether they can bring about the unity they've promised.”

Video Transcript

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: In 2020, the TIME Person of the Year is President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

KYLIE MAR: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were named TIME's Person of the Year on Thursday, during the first ever televised announcement in the magazine's history. And TIME's Editor In Chief, Edward Felsenthal, explained why the pair were chosen over finalists like outgoing President Donald Trump and Infectious Disease Expert Dr. Anthony Fauci.

EDWARD FELSENTHAL: Person of the Year is not just about the year that was, but about where we're headed, and the next four years are going to be an enormous test of them, and all of us, to see whether they can bring about the unity they've promised.

KYLIE MAR: While every U.S. President since FDR has been the Person of the Year at some point during their term, Kamala Harris is the first Vice President to receive the honor.

EDWARD FELSENTHAL: I don't think there's ever been a President and Vice President to take office in a moment like this where we don't just disagree on issues, we disagree on basic facts. What happens to the American experiment in this kind of chaos?

KYLIE MAR: Obviously, winning the election in hopes of uniting the American people was the singular goal for the newly elected administration. But being named TIME's Person of the Year is a pretty nice bonus.

JOE BIDEN: Thank you for the honor.

KAMALA HARRIS: Thank you very much. Thank you.