'This is America's Day'
New President Joe Biden has kicked off his inaugural address with optimism for the future of American democracy.
"This is America's day. This is democracy's day. A day of history and hope, of renewal and resolve, through a crucible for the ages, America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge," he told the nation.
"Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, a cause of democracy. The people, the will of the people, has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded. We've learned again that democracy is precious, democracy is fragile, and at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed."
His first address as President follows on from his campaign message calling for unity, just two weeks after violent pro-Trump rioters attacked the Capitol building.
He said that violence "sought to shake the very Captiol's foundation", but urged Americans to look ahead with optimism.
"This is a great nation. We are good people, and over the centuries, through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we've come so far, but we still have far to go," he said.
"Let's start afresh - all of us. Let's begin to listen one another again. Hear one another. See one another. Show respect to one another. Politics doesn't have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path.
"Every disagreement - it 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."
"This is America's day. This is democracy's day. A day of history and hope, of renewal and resolve, through a crucible for the ages, America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge," he told the nation.
"Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, a cause of democracy. The people, the will of the people, has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded. We've learned again that democracy is precious, democracy is fragile, and at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed."
His first address as President follows on from his campaign message calling for unity, just two weeks after violent pro-Trump rioters attacked the Capitol building.
Dr. Jill Biden and President-elect Joe Biden arrive for the Inauguration Day ceremony. Source: AAP
He said that violence "sought to shake the very Captiol's foundation", but urged Americans to look ahead with optimism.
"This is a great nation. We are good people, and over the centuries, through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we've come so far, but we still have far to go," he said.
"Let's start afresh - all of us. Let's begin to listen one another again. Hear one another. See one another. Show respect to one another. Politics doesn't have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path.
"Every disagreement - it 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."
