In so many ways, this was a different kind of inauguration—with so much of the pomp and pageantry muted by a pandemic that is still raging. But the most sacred tradition of Inauguration Day couldn’t be stopped: Today, we watched a new president take his oath and usher in a renewal of our democracy.
Michelle and I were honored to be there to support President Biden and Vice President Harris on this historic day.
And while our country still faces no shortage of challenges, there is no one I have more faith in to lead us out of them than Joe. This is a man whose life is defined by resilience—who has mastered the art of transforming pain into purpose. And I know he will do the same for our country. Turning the grief of this pandemic into a chance to vaccinate a nation. Picking up the pieces of a devastated economy and building back a better one—where everyone is in on the deal. Replacing the division and hatred of the last four years with the kind of leadership that binds our wounds and brings us together.
He’ll be served well by a loyal, brilliant, visionary ally at his side. In Vice President Harris, our country will be privileged to have someone whose history-making day will be followed by the kind of hard work—for the people—she has done her entire career.
That’s why I’m as hopeful as ever. We may face great challenges. But as Joe said today: “Together, we shall write an American story of hope, not fear. Of unity, not division. Of light, not darkness. A story of decency and dignity. Love and healing. Greatness and goodness. May this be the story that guides us.”