Listen Here
By: Emma Smith
smithe11@findlay.edu
After a tumultuous campaign season and an even more divisive few weeks, Joseph Biden Jr. is officially the 46th U.S. president
It’s official– Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have been sworn in to serve as the leaders of the United States.
Biden’s first speech to the public as 46th President of the United States, pleading for unity as the only way to face the challenges that the country is facing. As someone who is taking office during one of the most profound political unrest in American history, he pledged to be a president for all people, no matter their views.
“We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue. Rural against urban, conservative against liberals,” said Biden.
Another main point that Biden chose to make during his speech was the uphill battle that the pandemic has and will continue to be.
University of Findlay student, Samantha Adkins said, “Every time there is a new inauguration it is exciting [slash] nerve wracking… you don’t know what to expect. I am hopeful for what is coming next and seeing what a new leader can do for this country.”
She wasn’t alone in that feeling. Biden also alluded to the hope that he feels for the country as a whole. He called to end the hurting, violence, and anger that many Americans have experienced in recent years.
“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. It did not happen. It will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever. Not ever,” he said.
Newly-elected President Biden also wanted his first speech to smooth the worries of other countries.
“America is back. Ready to lead the world, not retreat from it. Once again sit at the head of the table. Ready to confront our adversaries and not reject our allies,” he said.
Adkins felt that the President’s first official speech showed that he has a positive outlook on the position he is taking. “It made me happy to hear that we [Americans] still have the values of love. That is what we need in our country,” said Adkins.
President Biden and Vice President Harris have already started working on their large caseload to fulfil the promises they made during today’s speeches.
