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JOE Biden ended up making a gaffe during the most important speech of his life as he announced victory over Donald Trump.

The 77-year-old - a self-described "gaffe machine" - bumbled over the number of Americans who have died of coronavirus, saying the figure was "230million thousand".

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Joe Biden kicked off his final stretch to the White House with a gaffe
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Joe Biden kicked off his final stretch to the White House with a gaffeCredit: AP:Associated Press
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris with their families on stage in Wilmington
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Joe Biden and Kamala Harris with their families on stage in WilmingtonCredit: EPA

Biden is on course to become the oldest ever President and has been open about his personal battle with a stutter which can often lead to him tripping over his words.

The seasoned Democrat's gaffes were a regular source of attack by critics on the campaign trail, with the Trump campaign going all out and even suggesting he was suffering "dementia" without evidence.

But as it became clear he will be the 46th President of the United States, Biden held a victory speech in his home state of Delaware.

After reciting a hymn, the president elect said: "I hope it can provide some comfort and solace to the more than 230-million-thousand families who have lost a loved one to this terrible virus this year."

The current US coronavirus death toll is more than 230,000. 

His slip up came as the coronavirus looks set to the be one of his biggest challenges when he takes office, as the US recorded a record day with 134,000 new cases.

The pandemic has been one of the biggest factors in the election cycle, with Biden accusing Trump of failing to control the virus.

He has previously minced his words on the pandemic, saying 200million Americans had died, calling the virus Covid-9, and saying it originated in "Luhan".

Biden has acknowledged his history of slip-ups throughout his five decades in politics - and it looks like there will now be four more years of them as he prepares to take up the highest office in the land.

Speaking in 2018, Biden said: "I am a gaffe machine" but in reference to Trump he added "my God what a wonderful thing compared to a guy who can’t tell the truth".

Joe Biden and his family react to fireworks after his speech
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Joe Biden and his family react to fireworks after his speech Credit: EPA

Other famous Biden blunders have included when he appeared to confuse his granddaughters and stumbled over his words when talking about his late son Beau on election day.

He also appeared to forget who was running against when he said he was out to stop "four more years of George" last month.

And then he appeared to confuse his wife for his sister during an impassioned speech during the Super Tuesday results in March.

Despite his gaffe-prone nature, Biden set out his stall the nation as he called for unity following the extremely divisive campaign.

He edged over the key 270 electoral vote margin on Saturday and was declared as the winner by all major networks.

Trump continues to fume as he tweeted "I WON" in all capitals and threatens to launch a wave of legal challenges.

The Trump campaign have claimed there is widespread voter fraud and that the President wins if you only count "legal votes" - but failed to present any evidence.

It is reported his daughter Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner has been the first in his inner circle to urge him to concede.

Donald Trump looks sour as he returns to the White House
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Donald Trump looks sour as he returns to the White HouseCredit: AP:Associated Press

Biden called for an end to "this grim era of demonization" and reached out to Trump supporters, saying: "Let's give each other a chance."

He vowed to to "unify” and “restore the soul” of the nation in a victory speech in Wilmington on Saturday night aimed at healing divisions.

I pledge to be a president who does not seek to divide, but unify," Biden said.

"Who doesn't see red states and blue states, but United States."

Speaking directly to Trump supporters, the president-elect said: "I understand the disappointment tonight. I’ve lost a couple of times myself.

"But now let’s give each other a chance.

Fireworks erupt over Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington
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Fireworks erupt over Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Biden supporters have been partying in cities
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Biden supporters have been partying in cities Credit: AFP or licensors
Biden edged ahead of the 270 electoral votes needed after winning Pennsylvania
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Biden edged ahead of the 270 electoral votes needed after winning PennsylvaniaCredit: AP:Associated Press

Much of Biden's speech focused on unity at a time when the nation is dealing with incredible division and turmoil.

He said: "The Bible tells us: to everything there is a season, a time to build, a time to reap, a time to sow, and a time to heal. This is the time to heal in America."

In a veiled attack on Trump, he urged Americans to reject "demonization" and let the country's "better angels" prevail.

Biden continued: “I sought this office to restore the soul of America, to rebuild the backbone of this nation - the middle class - and to make America respected around the world again and to unite us here at home."

After the speech, Biden was joined on stage by his family, including his son Hunter, whose recent email scandal put the campaign in jeopardy.

The president-elect planted a kiss on Hunter's baby son as the jubilant family joined him on stage.

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Biden was introduced by vice president-elect Kamala Harris, who applauded the American people for stepping up and voting.

Biden and Harris are already getting to work and are reportedly set to announce a Covid-19 task force on Monday.

President-elect Joe Biden promises to treat everybody with dignity and respect
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