In an address that appeared on CNN, MSNBC and Fox News, Joe Biden addressed the nation from Philadelphia Tuesday saying “Let us vow to make this, at last, an era of action to reverse systemic racism with long overdue and concrete changes.” Here are some excerpts from the 20-minute speech:

“The country is crying out for leadership. Leadership that can unite us. Leadership that brings us together. Leadership that can recognize pain and deep grief of communities that have had a knee on their neck for a long time.”

“I won’t traffic in fear and division. I won’t fan the flames of hate…I will take responsibility…I will seek to heal the racial wounds.”

“We’re a nation in pain. We must not let our pain destroy us. We’re a nation enraged, but we cannot let our rage consume us. We’re a nation that’s exhausted, but we will not allow our exhaustion to defeat us.”

“There is no place for violence. No place for looting or destroying property or burning churches or destroying businesses… nor is it acceptable for police to escalate tension…”

“The President held up a Bible at St. John’s church yesterday. I just wish he opened it once in a while…if he opened it, he could have learning something… in addition to opening the Bible, he should open up the U.S. Constitution once in a while. If he did he’d find a thing called the first amendment.”

Watch his full speech above.