Read Joe Biden’s first speech as president ... President Joe Biden says “democracy has prevailed” in a country reeling amid a pandemic and a violent melee two weeks ago at the U.S. Capitol. My fellow Americans, I close today where I began, with a sacred oath. As does President Carter, who I spoke to last night but who cannot be with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime of service. Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed. But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. Stu and Pat were s The most important line in Joe Biden's victory speech Analysis by Chris Cillizza, CNN Editor-at-large 11/9/2020. A convincing victory. We must set aside the politics and finally face this pandemic as one nation. We can see each other not as adversaries but as neighbors. I understand that many Americans view the future with some fear and trepidation. They have delivered us a clear victory. 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.". Many centuries ago, Saint Augustine, a saint of my church, wrote that a people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love. Joe Biden on Wednesday formally announced plans to end America’s military presence in Afghanistan by September, in a White House address heavy … And now, a rise in political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism that we must confront and we will defeat. An American story of decency and dignity. Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world for our children? The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded. And when we do, we will write the next chapter in the American story. Over the centuries through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we have come so far. Report Video Issue Javascript must be enabled in order to access C-SPAN videos. This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward. We can join forces, stop the shouting, and lower the temperature. Not of personal interest, but of the public good. Here we stand looking out to the great Mall where Dr. King spoke of his dream. We have never, ever, ever failed in America when we have acted together. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden delivered remarks in WIlmington, Delaware, as votes continue to be tallied in key battleground states. Before God and all of you I give you my word. We will need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter. If we do that, I guarantee you, we will not fail. That's America. I will fight as hard for those who did not support me as for those who did. Uniting to fight the common foes we face: With unity we can do great things. Yet hear me clearly: Disagreement must not lead to disunion. And I pledge this to you: I will be a President for all Americans. Today, we mark the swearing-in of the first woman in American history elected to national office -- Vice President Kamala Harris. My fellow Americans, we have to be different than this. Joe Biden gave the biggest speech of his life to a near-empty room, his words hanging in the air against a backdrop of hermetic silence. We can treat each other with dignity and respect. History, faith, and reason show the way, the way of unity. We can make America, once again, the leading force for good in the world. Joe Biden addresses nation as votes continue to be tallied, John King: If Trump thinks 2016 was a landslide, 2020 is as well, 'Chilling to hear': Tapper reacts to Pompeo's refusal to acknowledge Biden win, Keilar calls out GOP enablers fueling Trump's refusal to concede, Biden says Trump's failure to concede won't affect transition, See what Pompeo said when asked about Biden's victory, Erin Burnett: This is who is holding up Biden's transition process, SE Cupp: This was always going to be problematic at Fox News, Berman asks Georgia GOP official if he's seen any voter fraud, Hear Joe Biden's message to Trump supporters, Joe Biden pledges to unify, not divide, as president, Kamala Harris: Americans ushered in a new day, See the moment CNN called the race for Joe Biden, Van Jones: For a lot of people it's a good day. Biden’s speech was necessarily more chastened and straightforward in its rhetoric and its overall message. It's taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War II. "Enough prayers. We can reward work, rebuild the middle class, and make health care. Through a crucible for the ages America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge. In a roughly 17-minute address, Mr. Biden, speaking for the first time as president-elect, promised to lead with compassion, decency and character and heal the nation’s soul. We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again. 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. So here is my message to those beyond our borders: America has been tested and we have come out stronger for it. So now, on this hallowed ground where just days ago violence sought to shake this Capitol's very foundation, we come together as one nation, under God, indivisible, to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries. This executive order will position us to be able to raise the refugee admissions back up to 125,000 persons for the first full fiscal year of the Biden-Harris administration. And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed. Updated 0003 GMT (0803 HKT) January 21, 2021. (CNN)Inaugural Address by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. 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. To overcome these challenges -- to restore the soul and to secure the future of America -- requires more than words. To all those who supported our campaign I am humbled by the faith you have placed in us. This is a great nation and we are a good people. In each of these moments, enough of us came together to carry all of us forward.