In his Opening speech of 21 minutes, President Biden outlined an optimistic vision of the future and called on Americans to unite around common goals.
“This is America’s day. This is the day of democracy,” said 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 have been heard and the will of the people has been fulfilled.”
Noting that he was being installed on the Capitol steps just two weeks after being assaulted by a “turbulent mob”, Biden said the country had learned that “democracy is precious, democracy is fragile and, at this point, my friends , democracy prevailed. “
“This is a great nation. We are good people. And over the centuries, through storms and strife, in peace and war, we have come so far. And we still have a long way to go. We will continue to move forward quickly and urgently, as we have much to do this winter of significant dangers and possibilities, “said Biden.
The president thanked his “predecessors of both parties for their presence here today”, although his immediate predecessor, Mr. Trump, was absent.
Mr. Biden highlighted the struggles that 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, requires 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 “entire soul” was dedicated to “uniting America”.
“Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in it: uniting America. Uniting our people. Uniting our nation. And I ask every American to join me in this cause,” said Biden.
Biden acknowledged that it may seem difficult to achieve unity in such a divided nation, perhaps a tacit acknowledgment from Republicans in Congress who opposed the results of the Electoral College in an effort to overturn the election.
“I know that talking about unity may sound like some silly fantasy today. I know that the forces that divide us are deep and real. But I also know that they are not new,” said Biden. “Politics need not be a wildfire destroying everything in its path. Every disagreement does not have to be a cause for total war. And we must reject the culture in which the facts themselves are manipulated and even fabricated.”
Biden also caught up with Trump supporters, urging them to “listen to me.”
“Listen to me as we go. Measure me and my heart. If we still disagree, so be it. This is democracy. This is America. The right to disagree peacefully within the protections of our Republic is perhaps the greatest of this nation. strength, “said Biden. “However, listen to me clearly: disagreement should not lead to disunity. And I swear to you: I will be a president for all Americans. All Americans. And I promise you, I fight as much for those who did not support me as for those who did. “
Biden also said that he understands those who “see the future with fear and trepidation”, but asked Americans to try to connect with those who disagree with them.
“We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural against urban, conservative against liberal,” he said, adding that “we must put politics aside and finally face this pandemic as a nation, a nation”.
Mr. Biden sought to reassure the American public, saying “we are going to get over this together”, and also briefly addressed foreign audiences who were attending his speech.
“America has been tested. And we have come out stronger for that. We will repair our alliances and get involved with the world once again. Not to face the challenges of yesterday, but the challenges of today and tomorrow,” said Biden.
Biden also recognized the 400,000 Americans lost in the coronavirus pandemic, leading the public in “silent prayer” in honor of the victims and their families.
“I promise you, we will be judged – you and me – for how we will resolve these cascading crises of our era,” he said.
He ended his speech with a “sacred oath”, promising to defend the Constitution, tell the truth and lead the people without selfishness, an implicit rebuke to Mr. Trump.
“I will always be honest with you. I will defend the Constitution. I will defend our democracy. I will defend America,” said Biden. “With purpose and determination, we turn to the tasks of our time, sustained by faith, moved by conviction and devoted to one another and to the country that we love with all our hearts.”