Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/TNS
On Jan. 20, 2021, President-elect Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States. After being sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, he began his acceptance speech, where he covered a wide range of topics all based around his plan for the future and his hope for change. Some of Biden’s main speaking points addressed racism, climate change and COVID-19 and more.
Biden began his speech by addressing Chief Justice Roberts, Vice President Kamala Harris, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, former Vice President Mike Pence, distinguished guests and Americans.
“And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.”
Biden continued saying this day gave America hope, which is directly referring to the Barack Obama administration's platform of “hope and change.” He further mentioned the Capitol destruction from Trump mobs on Jan. 6, saying that we must move on because the Constitution is resilient. His speech refers to the fact that our laws will and should hold people, like these, accountable for their actions.
“So now, on this hallowed ground where just days ago violence sought to shake this Capitol’s very foundation, we come together as one nation, under God, indivisible, to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries.”
Biden thanked all his predecessors for being there, which excluded Trump, since Trump refused to attend the inauguration. This is the first time in over 150 years since a former president has missed the swearing-in of the upcoming president. Although he never mentioned Trump throughout the whole speech, he did reference the fact that in the past, the country has always had peaceful transfers of power, which Trump is known to have stated he may not do when giving his power to Biden.
“The American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. On ‘We the People’ who seek a more perfect Union.”
Biden continued by covering his goal of a more perfect union, stating Americans have fought hard, but there is still much to improve. He has since signed a multitude of executive orders he planned on doing on his first day of office, including rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement. He addressed the fact that COVID-19 has hurt this country, and said he is not going to let the cry for racial justice be avoided any longer.
“We will press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and possibility. Much to repair. Much to restore. Much to heal. Much to build. And much to gain.”
Biden then referenced Trump’s administration, again not by name, stating that we have seen political extreminsim, white supremecy and domestic terrorism. He continued by saying that the only way for him and this country to improve the past is to stay unified, which he has shown is his main goal: bringing America together.
“I ask every American to join me in this cause. Uniting to fight the common foes we face: Anger, resentment, hatred. Extremism, lawlessness, violence. Disease, joblessness, hopelessness.”
Biden then addressed his administration's goals of making schools safe for children, making healthcare affordable for all and making minimum wages livable. He focuses on the fact that America is where all people are created equal, yet we still have racism and nativism tearing us apart.
“Through the Civil War, the Great Depression, World War, 9/11, through struggle, sacrifice, and setbacks, our ‘better angels’ have always prevailed. In each of these moments, enough of us came together to carry all of us forward. And, we can do so now.”
Biden continued on, saying that we need to listen to each other and work together, referencing the false information being spread and facts being manipulated in the past years.
“We have never, ever, ever failed in America when we have acted together. And so today, at this time and in this place, let us start afresh. All of us. Let us listen to one another. Hear one another. See one another. Show respect to one another.”
Biden referenced Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. being in the same place Biden was currently during his speech, when 70 years ago Dr. King was fighting for Black people’s right to vote. After, he stated that we are now in a time when we have sworn in the first ever in American history Black and Asian women as the Vice President, Kamala Harris.
Biden made a comment about Arlington National Cemetery, talking about all those who rest there are heroes. It is important to note his son, Beau Biden, served in the Army Corps, and passed away in 2015, so the military is close to his heart.
“To all those who supported our campaign I am humbled by the faith you have placed in us. To all 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 further discussed that he believed people are defined by common objects they love. Biden and his family are Catholic and this statement is in reference to the words of Saint Augustine.
“What are the common objects we love that define us as Americans? I think I know. Opportunity. Security. Liberty. Dignity. Respect. Honor. And, yes, the truth.”
Biden further suggested that we must for a moment stand in each other's shoes to fully understand one another.
“We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal.”
Biden also reiterated our need to take COVID-19 seriously, that we need to make changes to combat it, saying America is reaching the worst months of the pandemic.
Biden then closed his speech by addressing those not in our borders, the rest of the world who is watching. He stated we will bring peace and progress and meet our challenges.
“And we’ll lead, not merely by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.”
Biden then gave a short moment of silence in condolence to everyone, not just in the U.S. but around the globe, who has lost someone in this past year from the pandemic.
Biden reiterated all the struggles we must overcome, and that we are all being tested and that we will pull through. Lastly, he referenced the song “American Anthem” as inspiration.
“The work and prayers of the century have brought us to this day. What shall be our legacy, what will our children say. Let me know in my heart when my days are through. America, America, I gave my best to you. Let’s add, let's add our own work and prayers to the unfolding story of our great nation. If we do this, then when our days are through, our children and our children’s children will say of us, they gave their best. They did their duty. They healed a broken land.”
Finally, in his closing statement, Biden gave his oath that he will defend America, level with Americans, defend the Constitution and uphold democracy.
“May God bless America and may God protect our troops. Thank you, America.”