In the end, the much maligned mainstream media had the decisive say in the United States Presidential poll.
It was only after the major television networks called the state of Pennsylvania for Joe Biden, taking him over the threshold of 270 electoral college seats, that the former vice president became President-elect.
Defeated incumbent Donald Trump’s campaign says they have raft of legal actions designed to delay or frustrate the inevitable.
So, they maintain the election is not over.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson doesn’t agree.
He has led foreign leads of government who have joined American politicians both Republican and Democrat in congratulating Biden.
The social media who have had an enormous amount to say about this divisive election campaign must wait with the mainstream media for Biden’s victory speech.
Their power to inflame and influence is unquestioned.
It is a new reality of political coverage around the the world.
Governments that try to nuzzle social media make fools of themselves.
But on this evening as American democracy breathes a sigh of relief, it is comforting to know who remains the heavy hitters.,