In his Inaugural address of 21 minutesPresident Biden outlined an optimistic view of the future and called on Americans to unite around common goals.
“This is America’s day. This is democracy day,” said Mr. Biden. “Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause. The cause of democracy. The people, the will of the people, has been heard and the will of the people has been obeyed.”
Biden noted that he was inaugurated on the steps of the Capitol, just two weeks after it was stormed by a “ riotous mob, ” Mr Biden said the country had learned that “ democracy is precious, democracy fragile, and at the moment , my friends, democracy has triumphed. “
“This is a great nation. We are good people. And through the ages, through storm and battle, in peace and at war, we have come this far. And we have a long way to go. We will move forward at speed. and urgency, because we have a lot to do in this winter of danger and considerable opportunity, ”said Mr Biden.
The president thanked his “predecessors of both parties for being here today,” although his immediate predecessor, Mr Trump, was absent.
Mr Biden highlighted the struggles the country has yet to overcome, including the coronavirus pandemic, domestic terrorism, white supremacy and racial injustice.
“Overcoming these challenges, restoring the soul and securing America’s future takes so much more than words. It requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy: unity. Unity,” he said. He quoted President Abraham Lincoln, whose “whole soul” was devoted to “bringing America together.”
“Today, this January day, my whole soul is in this, bringing America together. Uniting our people. Uniting our nation. And I ask every American to join me in this cause,” said Mr. Biden.
Mr. Biden acknowledged that it may seem difficult to achieve unity in such a divided nation, perhaps tacit recognition of the Republicans in Congress who objected to the electoral college will result in an attempt to reverse the election.
“I know that speaking of unity may sound like a foolish fantasy to some today. I know that the forces that divide us are deep and real. But I also know that they are not new,” said Mr. Biden. “Politics does not have to be a blazing fire that destroys everything in its path. Every disagreement does not have to be a cause for all-out war. And we must reject the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even fabricated.”
Mr Biden also reached out to supporters of Mr Trump urging them to “listen to me”.
“Listen to me as we go. Get a buddy of me and my heart. If we still disagree, so be it. That’s democracy. That’s America. The right to peacefully disagree within the guardrails of our republic is perhaps the greatest in this country. strength, “said Mr. Biden.” But hear me clearly: disagreement must not lead to division. And I promise you this: I will be president to all Americans. All Americans. And I promise you, I fight just as hard for those who didn’t support me as I did for those who did. “
Mr. Biden also said he understood those who “see the future with fear and trepidation,” but urged Americans to try to reach out to those who disagree with them.
“We need to end this uncivilized war that’s red against blue, countryside versus city, conservative versus liberal,” he said, adding that “we need to put politics aside and finally face this pandemic as one nation, one nation. “
Mr. Biden tried to reassure the American public by saying “we’re getting through this together,” and also addressed briefly to foreign audiences watching his speech.
“America has been put to the test. And we have come out stronger. We will restore our alliances and work with the world again. Not to meet the challenges of yesterday, but the challenges of today and tomorrow,” said Mr. Biden.
Mr. Biden also acknowledged the 400,000 Americans lost in the coronavirus pandemic and led the public in a “silent prayer” in honor of the victims and their families.
“I promise you we’ll be judged – you and me – for how we resolve these cascading crises of our time,” he said.
He closed his speech with a “ holy oath, ” pledging to defend the constitution, tell the truth, and lead the people without selfishness, an implicit rebuke to Mr. Trump.
“I will always be level with you. I will defend the Constitution. I will defend our democracy. I will defend America,” said Mr. Biden. “With purpose and determination, we turn to the tasks of our time, sustained by faith, driven by conviction, and committed to each other and the land we love with all our heart.”