President Joe Biden vowed to govern for ‘all Americans’ and bring unity to the ‘wounded country’ in a 22-minute speech after he was sworn in by Chief Justice Roberts.
“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 heeded,” he expressed.
“We’ve learned again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.”
The 46th President of the United States spoke in unique circumstances: increased security following the Capitol riot, no crowds due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the outgoing president was absent.
Former President Donald Trump had taken Air Force One to his Mar-a-Lago residence after issuing a final pardon during his last hour as president.
The theme of Biden’s address was unity. He also took a pause and asked for silent prayer for all the victims of the coronavirus.
“To all those who supported our campaign, I’m humbled by the faith you’ve placed in us. To all of those who did not support us, let me say this. Hear me out as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart,” Biden said.
“If you still disagree, so be it. That’s democracy,’ he told opponents. ‘That’s America. The right to dissent peaceably. Within the guardrails of our republic, it’s perhaps this nation’s greatest strength. Yet hear me clearly: disagreement must not lead to disunion.
“And I pledge this to you, I will be a president for all Americans – all Americans.”
Echoing some of the themes of former president Barack Obama, the 78-year-old said: “We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue.”
Biden thanked his predecessors of both parties for attending his inauguration. Former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama were at his swearing-in.
“I thank my predecessors of both parties for their presence here today. I thank them from the bottom of my heart,” he expressed.
Biden concluded: “So, with purpose and resolve, we turn to those tasked of our time, sustained by faith, driven by conviction, and devoted to one another and the country we love with all our hearts. May God bless America and may God protect our troops.
“Thank you, America.”
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