Greeting the Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senators Schumer and McConnell, Vice President Mike Pence and all the citizens of America, Joe Biden began his first speech as the 46th President of the United States.
Highlights of Biden’s first speech as 46th US President:
Biden called the inauguration as “America’s and democracy’s day” and “a day of history, hope, and resolve.”
Criticizing the Capitol Riot that happened a week ago, Biden said, “We’ve learned democracy is precious, fragile. The nation is coming together on the same hallowed ground which was struck by violence not a few days ago.”
Biden got emotional as he went on to condemn the attack on the Capitol Building.
He thanked all his predecessors who had upheld the nation’s dignity and ideals before him, making a mention of President Jimmy Carter, adding that the nation had come far as a result of their efforts but still had further to go with “much to restore, repair, build, heal and gain”
President Biden dedicated a section of his speech to the victims of the novel Coronavirus, voicing his grief over the fact that the virus had taken as many lives in one year as all of the American lives lost during the WW2 and said, “As my first act as President, I’d like to ask you to join me in a moment of silent prayer for all those who lost their lives during the pandemic.”
He then made key highlights by criticizing the rise of white supremacy, political extremism, and domestic terrorism and assured the citizens that such evils will be defeated.
He called for unity of people and the unity of their nation, pleading people to join him for this cause which will make America a hope or good across the world.
“No peace and progress without unity.”, he quoted.
President Biden also congratulated Vice President Kamala Harris, the first-ever woman, African-American, and South Asian-American Vice President by quoting Martin Luther King’s iconic speech calling for the upliftment of the African-American community.
He thanked everyone who supported his campaign and asked those who didn’t to give his work a chance and decide again.
“Disagreement must not lead to disunion. Will work as hard for non-supporters as he did for supporters,” he said.
He concluded, thanking people of America for choosing him and choosing democracy.
