‘Today we celebrate triumph of democracy’: 10 top quotes from Joe Biden’s speech

Joe Biden, who was sworn-in as the 46th President of the United States on Wednesday, delivered a powerful speech in a call for unity as he seeks to bring
stability following a tumultuous four years under his predecessor Donald Trump.

Two weeks since
a mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol to stop a Congressional
session to certify Biden’s electoral victory, Biden vowed to be “President for
all Americans” as he looked to unify a nation confronted by the coronavirus
pandemic, the resultant economic fallout and deep divide on racial lines and
police brutality.

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Biden, who
at 78 became the oldest President in American history, was sworn-in by Chief
Justice John G Roberts Jr using a Bible that has been in his family for over
120 years. Biden has used the Bible for every oath of office he has taken, including
as Senator from Delaware and as Vice-President.

Here are 10
key quotes from Biden’s first speech as the 46th US President:

1. I will
be a President for all Americans. I will fight as hard for those who did not
support me as those who did.

2. Today we
celebrate the triumph, not of a candidate, but of a cause — the cause of
democracy. The will of the people has been heard, and the will of the people has
been heeded. Democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. And at this hour, my
friends, democracy has prevailed.

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3. I know
the forces that divide us are deep and they are real. But I also know they are
not new. 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.

4. I will
defend our democracy, I will defend America.

5. Here we
stand looking out on the great Mall, where Dr (Martin Luther) King (Jr) spoke
of his dream. Here we stand where 108 years ago, at another inaugural,
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 to national office, Vice President Kamala Harris.

6. Here is
my message to those beyond our borders: America has been tested and we’ve come
out stronger for it. We will repair our alliances and will engage with the
world once again.

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7. Politics
doesn’t have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path.

8. We have
to be different than this. America has to be better than this.

9. We can
see each other not as adversaries, but as neighbors —speaking to each other
with dignity and respect. We can join forces, stop the shouting and lower the
temperature.

10. My
fellow Americans, I close today where I began, with the sacred oath before God
and all of you, I give you my word. I will always level with you