Because here is the thing about life: There is no accounting for what fate will deal you. Here we stand, in the shadow of a Capitol dome that was completed amid the Civil War, when the Union itself hung in the balance. We can join forces, stop the shouting, and lower the temperature. Transcript for President Joe Biden delivers his inaugural address. I understand that many Americans view the future with some fear and trepidation. When he put pen to paper, the President said, "If my name ever goes down into history it will be for this act and my whole soul is in it.". We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again. So, with purpose and resolve we turn to the tasks of our time. Alex Sundby is a senior editor for CBSNews.com. In a 21-minute inaugural address, President Joe Biden declared "democracy has prevailed" as he … At 12:01 ET on the 20th January 2021, Joe Biden officially became the 46th president of the United States. But the answer is not to turn inward, to retreat into competing factions, distrusting those who don't look like you do, or worship the way you do, or don't get their news from the same sources you do. The Mall Wednesday was largely cleared of people due to security concerns as well as the pandemic. Not to meet yesterday's challenges, but today's and tomorrow's. And, if we are this way, our country will be stronger, more prosperous, more ready for the future. Love and healing. Can I pay my mortgage?” Thinking about their families, about what comes next. Are we going to step up, all of us? Note that now-ex-President Donald Trump didn’t attend. We will honor them by becoming the people and nation we know we can and should be. To all those who supported our campaign, I am humbled by the faith you placed in us. To overcome these challenges — to restore the soul and secure the future of America — requires so much more than words. Given the importance of foreign policy to Biden’s senate and vice presidential career, it got relatively short attention in this speech. I thank my predecessors of both parties for their presence here. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer. Motive unknown after 8 killed at Indianapolis FedEx facility, FedEx cellphone policy under scrutiny after deadly shooting, Biden retains historic-low refugee cap for now, angering allies, Prosecutor's expert told grand jury police did not kill Daniel Prude, Oath Keepers member first to plead guilty in Capitol riot, Pentagon confirms authenticity of videos showing UFOs, Moderna plans to have third vaccine booster shot ready by fall, Russia announces expulsion of 10 U.S. diplomats, Roger Stone sued over nearly $2 million in alleged unpaid taxes, CDC panel adjourns without vote on extending J&J COVID vaccine pause, Michigan officials request help as COVID-19 cases surge. Read the full text of Mr. Biden's inaugural address as prepared for delivery below, and follow the latest developments on Inauguration Day here. … It requires that most elusive of things in a democracy: In another January in Washington, on New Year's Day 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. We face an attack on democracy and on truth. Here we stand, across the Potomac from Arlington National Cemetery, where heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion rest in eternal peace. Biden and Harris held a national memorial ceremony on Tuesday night, on the eve of inauguration. We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban. And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed. So here’s my message to those beyond our borders. And so today, at this time and in this place, let us start afresh. Biden sprinkled many references to US history and great speeches throughout his remarks. And though me. If we do this, then when our days are through, our children and our children’s children will save us. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Returning to his theme of unity, Biden personally asked his political opponents to give him a chance. We can deliver racial justice. We have learned again that democracy is precious. Yet hear me clearly: Disagreement must not lead to disunion. Biden is a deeply religious man and just the second Catholic US President. We can teach our children in safe schools. But the fact is we face them all at once, presenting this nation with the gravest of responsibilities. This was the “ask what you can do for your country” element of this speech. We are entering what may well be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus. And his call to help others is rooted in that and will be evident in his efforts to expand health care coverage and help Americans hurt by the pandemic — including those who didn’t vote for him, another shift back to old norms and away from Trump’s habit of favoring states or voters who supported him. the most elusive of all things in a democracy: unity. King’s speech was during the March on Washington in 1963. To overcome these challenges - to restore the soul and to secure the future of America - requires more than words. May God bless America and may God protect our troops. Not of personal interest, but of the public good. And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed. That our America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world. In my first act as President, I’d ask you to join me in a moment of silent prayer to remember all of those who we lost in this past year due to the pandemic, those 400,000 fellow Americans — moms, dads, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, friends, neighbors and co-workers. And I pledge this to you: I will be a President for all Americans. Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we are all created equal, and the harsh, ugly reality that racism, nativism, fear, demonization have long torn us apart. media caption Watch again: President Biden's inauguration speech in full Chief Justice Roberts, Vice-President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader … So I ask you, let’s say a silent prayer for those who’ve lost their lives and those left behind and for our country. We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal. My fellow Americans, we have to be different than this. Biden's first presidential speech, in many ways, echoes his first address as president-elect in Wilmington, Delaware. So here is my message to those beyond our borders: America has been tested and we have come out stronger for it. If we do that, I guarantee you, we will not fail. We can see each other not as adversaries but as neighbors. Instead of the normal post-inaugural lunch with lawmakers after this speech, Biden traveled to Arlington after his speech to pay his respects. They got more attention in this speech than his supporters. Biden addressed head-on the violence that shook the nation on Jan. 6 in his inaugural speech Wednesday on the heels of his swearing-in as President by … Unity. a song that means a lot to me. A cry for racial justice some 400 years in the making moves us. thousands of protesters tried to block brave women marching for the right to vote, just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, if you still disagree, so be it. Chief Justice Roberts, Vice President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Vice President Pence, distinguished guests, and my fellow Americans. And, devoted to one another and to this country we love with all our hearts. January 20, 2021 / 1:38 PM I will give my all in your service thinking not of power, but of possibilities. We will honor them by becoming the people and the nation we know we can and should be. It’s called American Anthem. President Biden took the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, four years after he attended the inauguration of President Trump … The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded. So do you need a vaccine card? They gave their best, they did their duty, they healed a broken land. © 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Biden's inauguration address 22:16. Former President Jimmy Carter is in his 90s, so he skipped the event. NPR reporters are annotating his speech live with fact checks and analysis. He is the first American president since 1869 to skip his successor’s inauguration. We will press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and possibility. It is a time for boldness, for there is so much to do. We’ll be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress and security. Here’s “We the People” and “a more perfect Union,” which comes from the preamble of the Constitution. When he put pen to paper, the president said — and I quote — “If my name ever goes down into history, it will be for this act, and my whole soul is in it.”. America has been tested and we’ve come out stronger for it. We met the moment. Joe Biden’s inauguration speech transcript, annotated. Folks, this is a time of testing. Mitch McConnell was majority leader at noon but becomes minority leader later Wednesday. “End this uncivil war” should be the most-remembered line from this speech. The United States Capitol. It’s time for boldness, for there’s so much to do, and this is certain — I promise you we will be judged, you and I, by how we resolve these cascading crises of our era. We will be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress, and security. We face an attack on our democracy and on truth, a raging virus, growing inequity, the sting of systemic racism, a climate in crisis, America’s role in the world. This was interestingly informal language for an inaugural address. That’s democracy. Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world to our children? And here we stand, just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, and to drive us from this sacred ground. And I promise you this, as the Bible says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” We will get through this together. Much to repair. We look ahead in our uniquely American way — restless, bold, optimistic — and set our sights on the nation we know we can be and we must be. That’s America. Look, I understand that many of my fellow Americans view the future with fear and trepidation. We will lead not merely by the example of our power but by the power of our example. And together, we shall write an American story of hope, not fear. I have just taken a sacred oath that each of those patriots took — an oath first sworn by George Washington. Because here’s the thing about life: There’s no accounting for what fate will deal you. I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real but I also know they are not new. Look, folks, all my colleagues I served with in the House and the Senate up here, we all understand the world is watching, watching all of us today. A story of decency and dignity. First published on January 20, 2021 / 1:38 PM. But we still have far to go. In his speech, Biden takes on a serious, but hopeful tone to make sure he gets his point across, and touches one to show his hope for peace and sympathy for the people and our country. President Biden communicated in a personal way during the inauguration Pool/Getty Images Honesty is important to him. With unity, we can do great things, important things. There are other days when we’re called to lend a hand. Their defeat is the country’s victory. We will need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter. Before God and all of you, I give you my word, I will always level with you. It's taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War II. Democracy and hope, truth and justice did not die on our watch, but thrived. I thank them from the bottom my heart. I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy. Many centuries ago, St. Augustine, a saint of my church, wrote that a people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love, defined by the common objects of their love. And so today, at this time and in this place, let’s start afresh, all of us. And there’s one verse that stands out, at least for me, and it goes like this. To all those who did not support us, let me say this: Hear me out as we move forward. And when we do, we’ll write the next great chapter in the history of the United States of America, the American story, a story that might sound something like a song that means a lot to me. Listen here in full. This is a very Biden way to end the speech. Through the Civil War, the Great Depression, World War, 9/11, through struggle, sacrifice, and setbacks, our "better angels" have always prevailed. And together, we shall write an American story of hope, not fear; of unity, not division; of light, not darkness. Relatively succinct and appropriately broad, this was a very good speech. grandfatherly advice and a personal plea for unity, under construction during the entire Civil War, Biden and Harris held a national memorial ceremony on Tuesday night. News media praises Biden's inaugural speech By Brian Stelter, CNN Business 1/20/2021. This is an incredible time, as Biden suggested. Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world for our children? St. Augustine, a saint of my church, wrote that a people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love, defined by the common objects of their love. Much to heal. Together. Few periods in our nation's history have been more challenging or difficult than the one we're in now. And here we stand, just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground. Biden’s belief in fate is an element of his faith. We can reward work, rebuild the middle class, and make health care secure for all. The right to dissent peaceably, within the guardrails of our Republic, is perhaps our nation's greatest strength. To all those who did not support us, let me say this: Hear me out as we move forward. Behauptung: "Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed" in the U.S. because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. death toll from the disease surpassed 400,000 on Mr. Trump's last full day in office, and health experts expected it to top half a million in February, Mr. Biden's first full month in office. May this be the story that guides us, the story that inspires us, and the story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history. Through the Civil War, the Great Depression, World War, 9/11, through struggle, sacrifice and setbacks, our “better angels” have always prevailed. 3 months ago. There are other days when we're called on to lend one. The death toll is hard to comprehend. / CBS News. And, in my first act as President, I would like to ask you to join me in a moment of silent prayer to remember all those we lost this past year to the pandemic. There is truth and there are lies, lies told for power and for profit. That is what we owe our forebears, one another, and generations to follow. I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy. The right to dissent peaceably within the guardrails of our republic is perhaps this nation’s greatest strength. This is a great nation and we are a good people. One nation. And we must meet this moment as the United States of America. I will defend our democracy. Chief Justice Roberts, Vice President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Vice President Pence, my distinguished guests, and my fellow Americans. On "We the People" who seek a more perfect Union. A relatively short speech with a theme of healing and new beginning, it brought to mind the greatest of all inaugural addresses, Lincoln’s second, as he tried to bring the US out of the Civil War. U.S. President Joe Biden delivers his speech after he was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., January 20, 2021. The battle is perennial and victory is never assured. The question is, will we master this rare and difficult hour? I will defend America. President Biden took the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, four years after he attended the inauguration of President Trump as the outgoing vice president. In each of these moments, enough of us came together to carry all of us forward. I believe we must. An American story of decency and dignity. See more moments from the inauguration. I understand they worry about their jobs. We can make America, once again, the leading force for good in the world. The story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history. That's America. It has taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War II. It did not happen. More than 400,000 Americans have died in less than a year, on Trump’s watch. Any one of these would be enough to challenge us in profound ways but the fact is we face them all at once, presenting this nation with one of the gravest responsibilities we’ve had. This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward. Former Vice President Dick Cheney was also unable to attend. I have just taken the sacred oath each of these patriots took - an oath first sworn by George Washington. We’re entering what may be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus. A day of history and hope. Biden gave his first speech as the 46th president of the United States. Nearly 60% of his speech was spoken in a simple present tense, which aligned with the immediacy of current issues such as COVID-19. This is America’s day. That could be the biggest break from the Trump era. KaTyia Dancy Jan. 20, 2021 Bidens Inauguration speech Kennedy, English 12 Identify 3 issues he addresses Three issues Biden addresses in his speech is Equality, Poverty, and Racial justice. A cry for survival comes from the planet itself. #CNN #News We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts. If we show a little tolerance and humility. As my mom would say, “Just for a moment, stand in their shoes.”. Uniting our people. And my fellow Americans. A cry for racial justice some 400 years in the making moves us. Audio: President Biden's Inauguration Speech, Events : Inauguration Day: Live Updates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris became president and vice president of the United States on Wednesday. We can treat each other with dignity and respect. The inauguration comes two weeks after supporters of Mr. Trump attacked the U.S. Capitol, which led authorities to lock down the surrounding area and close the National Mall to the crowd that traditionally gathers on Inauguration Day. But Biden has a point here. Mr. Trump didn't attend Mr. Biden's inauguration, flying instead on Air Force One earlier in the day to his Florida home. And much to gain. Some days, you need a hand. The oath is written in the Article II of Constitution, the nation’s founding document. Also note here that Biden mentioned “Leader” Schumer. "Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this: Bringing America together. Keep reading to learn about Biden's body language during his inauguration speech on Jan. 20, 2021. But he reminded his listeners, several times in this speech, that keeping this democracy together will demand an adherence to facts. Today it’s Trump, the first President to be impeached twice. presenting this nation with one of the gravest responsibilities we’ve had. Joe Biden delivers his inauguration speech after being sworn in as the 46th US president on 20 January 2021. Here we stand, looking out on the great Mall where Dr. King spoke of his dream. America has to be better than this, and I believe America is so much better than this. Look, you all know we’ve been through — through so much in this nation. I will fight as hard for those who did not support me as for those who did. That’s democracy. Unity. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer. World. Much to repair. If we do that, I guarantee you, we will not fail. They healed a broken land. 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. By talking about “rebuilding alliances,” he made clear he aims to undo Trump’s “America First” approach of removing the US from treaties and alliances and his bullying of other countries with threats. Yet, we endured. And, we must meet this moment as the United States of America. To all those who supported our campaign I am humbled by the faith you have placed in us. And now, a rise in political extremism, white supremacy and domestic terrorism that we must confront and we will defeat. This part was the FDR-esque Fireside Chat. At the start of the ceremony, Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar noted that there were “a whole bunch of Bidens” in attendance. Not ever. Here’s a version of the song, written by Gene Scheer and sung by Norah Jones. We can see each other not as adversaries but as neighbors. We prevailed. That's democracy. Over the centuries through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we have come so far. He acquires that title with the swearing-in of Georgia’s two new Democratic senators, Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, on Wednesday afternoon. My fellow Americans, we have to be different than this. The will of the people has been heard and the will of people has been heeded. That’s what we do for one another. For without unity there is no peace, only bitterness and fury; no progress, only exhausting outrage; no nation, only a state of chaos. Before God and all of you I give you my word. If we're willing to stand in the other person's shoes just for a moment. Listing the difficulties we face during this time of division and pandemic was expected. Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy. Watch: President Joe Biden’s inauguration speech After being sworn in, Biden addressed the nation for the first time as the 46th president of the United States. We must set aside the politics and finally face this pandemic as one nation. “Biden’s speech was a 180-degree turn from Trump’s ‘American carnage’ address four years ago,” claimed NPR. Through a crucible for the ages America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge. Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this: I ask every American to join me in this cause. I understand they worry about their jobs, about taking care of their families, about what comes next. Much to heal. Watch full speech: President Biden delivers inaugural address You know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength of our nation — as does President Carter, who I spoke with last night, who cannot be with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime in service. Important things. But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. We must set aside politics and finally face this pandemic as one nation. History, faith, and reason show the way, the way of unity. Much to build. Joe Biden's inauguration address: "This is America's day". By. My whole soul is in it. President Joe Biden gives a speech after being sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate but of a cause, the cause of democracy. And each of us has a duty and a responsibility, as citizens, as Americans, and especially as leaders, leaders who have pledged to honor our Constitution and protect our nation, to defend the truth and defeat the lies. And I promise you, I will fight as hard for those who did not support me as for those who did.