Joe Biden has urged Americans to embrace unity as "the path forward" in a heartfelt speech as he begins his term as the 46th president of the United States.
Joe Biden, watched by his wife, Jill, and son Hunter is sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Photo: AFP
Biden, following his oath of office, today celebrated his incoming administration as a victory for US democracy, saying more work must be done to heal the nation.
The president referred to the riotous scenes at the Capitol two weeks ago, saying it reinforced the need for democracy.
"At this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed," Biden said in his inaugural speech. "Today we celebrate the triumph, not of a candidate, but of a cause. The cause of democracy."
Read more:
- For live updates
- Donald Trump's legacy: How the outgoing president will be remembered
- Joe Biden: his path to presidency
- Donald Trump departs White House for final time
'Without unity there is no peace'
Biden argued that unity was the only successful path forward for the country.
He appealed to the US people to "stop the shouting and lower the temperatures", adding that "without unity there is no peace".
Joe Biden speaks during his inaugural address. Photo: 2021 Getty Images
Speaking of the challenges that his administration will face, including the pandemic and the rise of "white supremacy", Biden said he will "confront and we will defeat" each obstacle.
He repeated his campaign vow to "restore the soul of the future of America," but said doing so "requires so much more than words".
"It requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy: Unity.
"Unity is the path forward.
"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," the president said.
He said the events of the past few weeks - in which former president Donald Trump and his supporters have claimed without evidence that Biden's victory was stolen - have taught Americans that: "there is truth and there are lies. Lies told for power and for profit."
He urged the country to end this "uncivil war" that pitted red against blue", referring to Republicans and Democrats.
"The answer is not to turn inward, distrusting those who don't look like you or worship the way you do or don't get their news from the same source as you do."
Inspired by Lincoln
Biden referred to former president Abraham Lincoln who signed the Emancipation Proclamation on 1 January, 1863, declaring the end to slavery. Lincoln remarked at the time that his "whole soul" had gone into the occasion, and Biden drew on it for his address.
"My whole soul is in this, bringing America together, uniting our people, our nation, and I ask every American to join me in this cause."
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.
Vice President Kamala Harris greets Joe Biden after being sworn in at the US Capitol in Washington. Photo: 2021 Getty Images
"Here we stand where 108 years ago, thousands of protesters tried to block brave women marching for the right to vote.
"Today we mark the swearing in of the first woman in American history elected vice-president - Kamala Harris.
"Don't tell me things can't change," Biden said.
Covid victims honoured
Biden asked that those in the audience hold a silent moment of prayer "for those we've left behind and for our country".
More than 400,000 Americans have died so far from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Biden delivered his inauguration address in front of a largely empty Mall that would normally be filled with supporters if not for the pandemic that has hit the US harder than any country in the world.
Follow RNZ's blog on the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harrs
- Reuters /BBC