“Democracy has prevailed,” declared President Joe Biden in a triumphant inaugural address on Wednesday.
And he made it clear that the triumph was that of the American people — all the American people, unified behind his leadership.
“America has been tested anew, and America has risen to the challenge,” Biden said. “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 acknowledged the challenges he now faces: the Covid-19 pandemic, the hobbled economy, racial injustice — and the lingering hangover of the takeover of the U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump rioters two weeks earlier.
“We can see each other, not as adversaries, but as neighbors. We can treat each other with dignity and respect,” he said. “We can join forces, stop the shouting and lower the temperature. For without unity there is no peace." https://t.co/SefgZLvvFD
— The Hill (@thehill) January 20, 2021
“To overcome these challenges, to restore the soul and secure the future of America requires so much more than words,” Biden said. “It requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy: unity.”
He also noted the rise of white supremacism, which was encouraged by his predecessor.
“This is a great nation. We are good people,” he said. “And over the centuries, through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we’ve come so far.
“But we still have far to go.”
I hope you'll take the time to read the text of Biden's inaugural speech. Whether you're a Republican or Democrat, a conservative or liberal, these were needed healing words that I hope will resonate in every patriotic soul. https://t.co/AXSjMtYato
— Evan McMullin ?? (@EvanMcMullin) January 20, 2021
