If anything were to happen to Donald Trump, the presidency of the United States would be inherited by Mike Pence.

But how much do we actually know about the 57-year-old Vice President-elect? By his own ission very little.

So here are 10 facts about Trump’s running mate, who lives in his native Indiana with his wife Karen, three children, two cats and two dogs.

• The Vice President-elect was not always Trump’s biggest fan – four days before the primary he endorsed Ted Cruz.

• He publicly opposed Trump’s proposed ban on Muslim’s entering the US, labelling it ‘offensive and unconstitutional’. He does however want strict rules on immigration.

• Pence has been in public office since 2000, for 12 years as a member of national congress, and since 2013 as Indiana governor.

• The long-time representative of Republicans was actually raised a Democrat. He idolised President John F Kennedy to the point that he still owns a box of Kennedy memorabilia.

• An Evangelical Christian, he has criticised sex education in schools and is staunchly opposed to abortion.

• He signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Indiana last year. The law extended legal protection to businesses in the state who did not want to participate in same-sex weddings, citing their religious beliefs as justification. He was forced to sign an amendment after a week of protests from LGBT activists.

• He has actively opposed homosexual men being able to enlist in the army.

• He claims climate change is a myth that is not driven by human actions.

• He has previously opposed tobacco regulation and argues that, despite the research linking it to lung cancer, it does not kill.

• A lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs, he is celebrating a second historic victory in the space of a week after they won their first World Series for 108 years.

Image courtesy of Gage Skidmore via flickr, with thanks 

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Hillary Clinton ers are urging voters in the US to stay in the queue to cast their ballots no matter what. v1l4b

There have been complaints all day that queues at polling stations are too long, with some voters suffering three-hour queues.

While polls closed in Georgia at 7pm ET, Congressman John Lewis has urged ers to stay in line until they’ve voted.

Precincts in Georgia close at 7pm. , as long as you are in line by 7pm, you are guaranteed your right to vote. #StayInLine

— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) November 8, 2016

As this is already one of the highest voter turnouts in American history, every vote counts.

And with such small margins in so many states, both parties are urging their ers to persist and remain in the poll queues to cast every last vote.

In according with the United States Law, voters are owed the right to vote if they are in the queue at the time that the polls close.

Stay up to date with our US Election blog here.

Image courtesy of U.S. Department of State via Flickr, with thanks

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Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on his unexpected victory in the US Presidential election. 4nc5n

Across the globe world leaders are reacting with messages of congratulations, reservations or hopes to uphold previous deals and alliances,

Responses include those from Iranian Foreign Secretary Zarif, German Prime Minister Angela Merkel and French far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

There has been speculation that Russia was attempting to meddle in the US election after Wikileaks released a series of leaks about Hillary Clinton.

Putin said: “Building a constructive dialogue between Moscow and Washington, based on principles of equality, mutual respect and each other’s positions, meets the interests of the peoples of our countries and of the entire international community.”

German Prime Minister Angela Merkel has also reacted, making it clear where she stands on some of Trump’s campaign rhetoric.

She said: “ and America are connected by values of democracy, freedom and respect for the law and the dignity of man, independent of origin, skin colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political views.”

European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker also released a t statement.

They said: “It is more important than ever to strengthen transatlantic relations.

“Only by cooperating closely can the EU and the US continue to make a difference when dealing with unprecedented challenges such as Da’esh [ISIS], the threats to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, climate change and migration.

“I offer the next president of the United States close cooperation on the basis of these values. The partnership with the United States is and remains a foundation of German foreign policy.”

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani gave a curt response to the results by making it clear Iran intends to stand by the nuclear deal which was reached in 2015, calling it irreversible.

He said: “The results of the US election have no effect on the policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

“Iran’s policy for constructive engagement with the world and the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions have made our economic relations with all countries expanding and irreversible.”

French Le Front National leader Marine Le Pen was reportedly the first to congratulate Trump, having been a er throughout the campaign.

Meanwhile there are reports that French Ambassador to the United States, Gerard Araud, tweeted and then promptly deleted it.

He was reported to have said: “After Brexit and this election, everything is now possible. A world is collapsing before our eyes. Dizziness.”

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‘Bellwether’ state Ohio, which has correctly predicted every president since 1960, has gone to the Republicans – giving Donald Trump a massive boost in the race for the White House. 301v5a

Trump has taken a staggering lead in the race for presidency, after taking Indiana and Kentucky.

And this win in Ohio takes his lead to 60 – granting him one foot in the door of the White House.

‘As Ohio goes, so goes the nation,’ is the saying regarding the mid-eastern state – which was one of the key battlegrounds in the race for the presidency.

Both Hillary Clinton and Trump were keen to take Ohio, so much so that the Republican convention took place there in July of this year.

Trump won the 18 votes that came with Ohio, and moved his chances of winning to more than 80% with the New York Times.

Stay up to date with our US Election blog here.

Featured image courtesy of Gage Skidmore via Flickr, with thanks

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Theresa May has led the UK political reaction to Donald Trump being elected the next President of the United States. 4u6m5l

Republican candidate Mr Trump was elected as the 45^th President overnight, comfortably defeating Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton.

President-elect Trump won the election after securing a number of key swing states including Florida, North Carolina and Ohio – the latter who picked every winner since 1960.

Prime Minister May said: “Britain and the United States have an enduring and special relationship based on the values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.

“We are, and will remain, strong and close partners on trade, security and defence.

“I look forward to working with President-elect Donald Trump, building on these ties to ensure the security and prosperity of our nations in the years ahead.”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was not so welcoming, describing the result as an ‘unmistakable rejection of a political establishment’.

He added: “This is a rejection of a failed economic consensus and a governing elite that has been seen not to have listened. And the public anger that has propelled Donald Trump to office has been reflected in political upheavals across the world.

“But some of Trump’s answers to the big questions facing America, and the divisive rhetoric around them, are clearly wrong.”

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson took to Twitter to congratulate President-elect Trump.

He said: “Congratulations to Donald Trump and much looking forward to working with his istration on global stability and prosperity.

“I believe ionately in the importance of the UK-US relationship and am confident we can take it forward together.”

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was subdued in her reaction.

She said: “While this is not the outcome I hoped for, it is the verdict of the American people and we must respect it. I congratulate president-elect Trump on winning the election.

“We value our relationship with the United States and its people.  The ties that bind Scotland and the US – of family, culture and business – are deep and longstanding and they will always endure.

Mrs Sturgeon continued: “I hope the President-elect will take the opportunity to reach out to those who felt marginalized by his campaign and make clear – in deeds as well as words – that he will be a president for everyone in modern, multicultural America.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: “Liberal values of moderation, freedom, respect for the rule of law, openness and concern for one another can no longer be taken for granted. In the United States last night, those values were defeated.”

Image courtesy of UK Home Office via Flickr, with thanks

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Dow futures have plunged 600 points and bonds have rallied as traders questioned whether Democrat Hillary Clinton can win the presidential election as expected. 5z4n

The Asian stock market is also in freefall.

Traders have been watching for the outcome of the battle for Florida as they were looking to get an early projection there.

The Mexican peso was down as much as 5 % against the dollar.

Donald Trump has controversially said he would build a wall along Mexico’s northern border and break trade deals with Mexico.

Stay up to date with our US Election blog here.

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The world reacted to Donald Trump’s sensational victory in the 2016 US Election on social media with feelings of outrage, disbelief and uncertainty today. 33203i

On the final day of a poisonous election campaign, Trump defied the polls to defeat Hillary Clinton in key swing states.

Celebrities have responded to the stunning result with fearful apprehension and utter dismay.

Seth MacFarlane, actor and creator of Family Guy, said: “Some didn’t like Bush. Some didn’t like Obama.

“But this is different. Forget dislike. Many are genuinely fearful now. This is new.”

An emotional Van Jones, political commentator for CNN, said: “This was a rebellion against the elites.

“This was a white lash against a changing country, a white lash against a black president. And that’s the part where the pain comes.”

Parallels have been drawn between the Brexit vote and Trump’s victory.

American-based British actor James Corden simply tweeted: “Brexit feelings.”

Brexit feelings.

— James Corden (@JKCorden) November 9, 2016

Kevin Corke, a White House correspondent for Fox News said: “I’ll see your #Brexit and raise you a #Trump #policitcalinsurrection #ElectionDay.”

https://twitter.com/kevincorke/status/796209693861511168

On receiving the confirmation of Trump’s unexpected victory, many were surprised by the manner in which he accepted the mandate.

British film producer Ben Winston said: “He actually looks gutted. PR campaign gone too far.”

Middleweight boxer Chris Eubank Jr tweeted his dismay: “Started off as a funny joke and has now become a serious reality #ElectionNight #TrumpWins.”

Started off as a funny joke & has now become a serious reality #ElectionNight #TrumpWins pic.twitter.com/ewpPA1hM4W

— Chris Eubank Jr (@ChrisEubankJr) November 9, 2016

Richmond comedian Shappi Khorsandi said: “Some voters will be sad he didn’t ride in on a horse, firing a gun with one hand and squeezing a well wishers boob with the other #trumpspeech.”

Some voters will be sad he didn't ride in on a horse, firing a gun with one hand & squeezing a well wishers boob with the other #trumpspeech

— Shaparak Khorsandi شاپرک خرسندی (@ShappiKhorsandi) November 9, 2016

Many have expressed their shame and disappointment that the world’s superpower has elected a man endorsed by the Klu Klux Klan.

American journalist for NY Daily News Shaun King said: “I am deeply ashamed of my country.

“Our new democratically elected president is a dangerous, unethical white supremacist billionaire.”

Outspoken footballer Joey Barton tweeted: “President Trump. Only in America…”

President Trump. Only in America…

— Joey Barton (@Joey7Barton) November 9, 2016

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn likened the unpredictability of result to that of voting patterns on The X Factor.

He said: “You can’t be surprised that Trump has got in when thousands are voting for Honey G every Saturday.”

Featured image courtesy of Gage Skidmore via Flickr, with thanks

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Odds have moved very quickly in favour of Donald Trump according to Betfair. 6c2x73

Betfair have moved the odds to just over a 50/50 race for the White House, clearly unable to pick between the Republican and Democrat candidates.

While other betting outlets like PaddyPower have paid out on Hillary Clinton winning, Betfair have moved Trump’s chances of winning up by 25%.

Out of the £158 million that has been matched on Betfair so far on the Next President field, the large majority of it has been on Clinton.

But tonight the odds on a Clinton victory have moved from 1/10 to 1/2.

At the start of the day Clinton was heavily ahead in the betting, although her stock has plummeted in the market overnight as Trump takes a lead in the electoral votes.

On the FiveThirtyEight website, the % chance of a Trump victory has moved to 26%, while Clinton’s chances of victory have moved down to 73%.

It seems that with so many of the ‘blue states’ still to be called, and with Trump having a lead over his democratic rival, punters are placing active bets on the states declared, and expecting to see a President Trump.

Stay up to date with our US Election blog here.

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Leading Republicans and Donald Trump’s campaign manager have reacted with delight to his shock electoral triumph.

Sarah Palin, running mate of 2008 nominee John McCain, compared the surprise victory with that of the Leave campaigners in the UK’s EU referendum.

“See, Great Britain?” she said. “See how we’re hooking up now? We’re going rogue and saying, we’re going to take back control of our governance.

“We’re going to be able to say no, we don’t want this globalism. We can’t be telling other countries, other nations how to sweep their porches, if we can’t sweep our own yet.”

Trump-Pence campaign manager Kellyanne Conway claimed the result unveiled a silent majority of Trump voters who had helped sweep him into power.

She tweeted: “Things that were true: undercover Trump vote; @mike_pence for VP; Hillary’s floor & ceiling r same; rally crowds matter; we expanded the map.”

She also agreed with a tweet from USA Today journalist Paul Singer alleging double standards: “Stunned that Hillary Clinton did not concede. If Donald Trump pulled that, people would go bananas.”

Indiana Governor Mike Pence, who will now become Vice President, said as he introduced Trump for his victory speech: “This is a historic night.

“The American people have spoken, and the American people have elected their new champion.

“America has elected a new president. It is almost hard for me to express the honour that I and my family feel, that we will have the privilege to serve as your Vice President of the United States of America.”

To chants of ‘USA’ from a jubilant crowd, Pence said: “I come to this moment deeply humbled, and grateful to God for his amazing grace. I am grateful to my family.

“I am deeply grateful to the American people for placing their confidence in this team and giving us this opportunity to serve.

“I’m mostly grateful to our President-elect, whose leadership and vision will make America great again.”

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, not always an avid er of Donald Trump during the campaign despite being Republican, congratulated Trump on his ‘big night’, and called his victory ‘A repudiation of the status quo of failed liberal progressive policies’.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who did not vote for Trump, credited the down ballot Republican candidates for bringing Trump to victory, though did congratulate the President-elect, calling his triumph a ‘stunning victory’ that defied the odds.

He said: “I’m proud of and want to congratulate my Senate colleagues, particularly those in swing states who ran incredible races that helped President-elect Trump achieve his victory.

“We now have a country to run.”

Image courtesy of WEBN-TV via flickr, with thanks 

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Donald Trump has gained six electoral college votes in Arkansas, the home state of former President Bill Clinton. 4m6d3e

Polls closed at 8.30pm this evening in the South Eastern state, with Trump finishing at least 20.9 percentage points clear of rival Hilary Clinton.

Incumbent Republican Senator John Boozman has also won a decisive victory in Arkansas with 59 percent.

The state has sided with the Republicans in eight of eleven elections, with the party gaining steady increases in vote share since 1996.

Pulaski County, home to state capital Little Rock, voted 60 percent in favour of Hilary Clinton in stark opposition its neighbouring districts.

Stay up to date with our US Election blog here.

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