Joe Biden promises to govern for all Americans during inaugural speech

Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on Wednesday at 11:49 (Eastern Time).

He is taking office at a moment of profound economic, health and political problems with a promise to seek unity after four unstable years that divided Americans deeply.

He recited the oath of office swearing to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution” in a ceremony led by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.

This made Harris the highest-ranking woman in the history of the United States and the first black American to hold the office of vice-president.

Only about 1,000 socially distanced guests, including former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, attended the ceremony.

Donald Trump was not present, making him the first president to skip a successor’s inauguration since Andrew Johnson.

Former vice-president Mike Pence, who did not attend Trump’s farewell earlier at the White House and Joint Base Andrew, was also present at the inauguration.

The ceremony was also marked by a virtual parade involving all the states and territories and a 90-minute prime-time TV special, “Celebrating America,” hosted by Tom Hanks.

Performers throughout the day included Jennifer Lopez, Garth Brooks, Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, John Legend, Jon Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake and others.

Video: Jennifer Lopez performs “This Land Is Your Land” & “America, The Beautiful”

Biden received a standing ovation when he took the podium to deliver his inaugural address, his first speech as president.

After thanking those present Biden said, “This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day”.

Biden also called on the nation to unify after four years of what is widely seen as Donald Trump’s divisive presidency.

“This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward,” the president said.

“Few people in our nation’s history have been more challenged or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we’re in now,” Biden said, before acknowledging the devastating toll of the coronavirus.

He went on, “To overcome these challenges, to restore the soul and secure the future of America, requires so much more than words and requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy: unity.”

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Four years after Trump spoke of “American carnage” in his inaugural address, Biden contrasted him by his call for unity “Politics doesn’t have to be a raging fire, destroying everything in its path,” he said.

“Every disagreement doesn’t have to be a cause for total war. And we must reject the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured.”

Trump was often criticised for allegedly building his administration on lies, with many newspapers fact-checking him after every speech.

“I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy these days. I know the forces that divide us are deep, and they are real. I also know they are not new,” Biden said.

Biden described America’s history as a “constant struggle” between the country’s professed ideals and its lived reality.

The president then pointed to Kamala Harris being sworn in as vice-president as an indication of how much positive change the nation can achieve.

“Don’t tell me things can’t change,” he said.

The president referred to the violent attack on the Capitol two weeks ago, saying it underscored the value of American democracy.

“We’ve learned again that democracy is precious, and at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed,” the president said in a speech that emphasised the contrast between himself and his predecessor.

Biden condemned the Capitol rioters who tried to overturn the will of the people by violently disrupting the congressional certification of his victory in the presidential election.

“It did not happen. It will not happen: not today, not tomorrow, not ever,” he said.

Biden also pledged to be a “president for all Americans,” including those who did not support him, and he called for the nation to make a fresh start today.

Biden also used his inaugural address to make a pledge to the country’s global allies, after four years of Donald Trump’s “America first” agenda.

“We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again, not to meet yesterday’s challenges but today’s and tomorrow’s challenges,” the new president said.

He then wrapped up his 21-minute speech by leading the crowd in a moment of prayer for the more than 400 000 American victims of Covid-19, describing it as his first act as president.

“Let’s start afresh again, all of us,” Biden called upon his fellow Americans.

Politicians and celebrities took to Twitter to congratulate president Bide on his victory:

Congratulations to my friend, President @JoeBiden! This is your time. pic.twitter.com/LXzxGnBAfz

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 20, 2021

Honored to witness history today. May God bless @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris as they take on the work of healing our nation. May we all fulfill our duty as citizens to help our country and our fellow Americans through the challenges ahead. pic.twitter.com/dooSLnFePe

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) January 20, 2021

Decency and compassion restored. Hallelujah!! President @JoeBiden 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/0lf7iHsgeT

— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) January 20, 2021

Congratulations, @JoeBiden, on your inauguration as the 46th President of the United States. Our two countries have tackled some of history’s greatest challenges together – and I’m looking forward to continuing this partnership with you, @KamalaHarris, and your administration.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 20, 2021