Yahoo Finance 'Politics doesn’t have to be a raging fire': Highlights from the historic U.S. inauguration of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris
The inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris was emotional, star-studded, with a strong message of uniting the country coming from the 46th president.
After such a historic occasion, there were several moments that got people’s attention around the world.
Joe Biden’s message of unity, not division
In his first speech as U.S. president Joe Biden shared a message of unity, stressing that this is a time for Americans to listen to each other, even when they may have different opinions.
“To restore the soul and secure the future of America requires so much more than words, it requires the most illusive of all things in a democracy, unity,” Biden said. “Let’s begin to listen to one another again, hear one another, see one another, show respect to one another.”
“Disagreement must not lead to disunion and I pledge this to you, I will be a president for all Americans.”
He also stressed the danger of misinformation spreading through society.
“Politics doesn’t have to be a raging fire, destroying everything in its path,” Biden said. “Every disagreement 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.”
The moment of silent prayer @JoeBiden is now leading for the 400,000 victims of #COVID19 represents the most compassion the White House has ever shown for the many, many, many loved ones we've lost.
— Max Burns (@themaxburns) January 20, 2021
The U.S. President also took the time to ask for everyone to join in a silent prayer to remember the more than 400,000 people who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kamala Harris makes history
No one can talk about Wednesday’s inauguration without including that fact that Kamala Harris has made history after becoming the first woman, first woman of colour, to be sworn in as U.S. Vice President.
“Every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.” —@VP Kamala Harris ❤️ #InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/yXIXdvQTSr
— E! News (@enews) January 20, 2021
Throughout the entire election campaign, culminating in this momentous moment, women and girls around the world have looked at Harris as a role model and a symbol of hope.
My daughter inspired by @VP @KamalaHarris and practicing for @JoeBiden @POTUS’s spot. Look out for our daughters in the years to come! #strongwomen pic.twitter.com/NFQkzGmSZX
— Dillon Contracting (@LKNRemodeling) January 20, 2021
Thinking about all the brown & black girls who will see themselves in @KamalaHarris and will grow up knowing that they can be anything. #MadamVicePresident pic.twitter.com/XZqBlKv4nY
— Opal Vadhan (@OpalVadhan) January 20, 2021
Lady Gaga sings the national anthem
Lady Gaga was at the event to sing the national anthem, dressed in with a beautifully voluminous red skirt and a gold dove broach on her top. Of course, she also showed up for the occasion with a gold microphone to complete the look.
A dove carrying an olive branch. May we all make peace with each other. pic.twitter.com/NGbgKM9XiC
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) January 20, 2021
People on social media were quick to commend Gaga on her rendition of the national anthem.
MY GOODNESS.
Lady Gaga turned and looked at the Capitol when she sang, "our flag was still there."
😢🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/G72pHc8W4N— Austin Kellerman (@AustinKellerman) January 20, 2021
I'll confess that this was the first time I've ever actually seen/heard Lady Gaga perform. I am full of admiration for the way she sang "home of the brave" in a way that so clearly seemed to point to who has really been brave while others have been a bunch of whiny, mean babies.
— Dr. Kate Antonova (@kpanyc) January 20, 2021
Here is a picture of Lady Gaga taking a golden microphone, as Mike Pence looks on, so she can sing the national anthem at the inauguration of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. This is how the Trump era ends. pic.twitter.com/GKAEs0WQoU
— Liam Stack (@liamstack) January 20, 2021
Jennifer Lopez’s ‘Let’s Get Loud’ callout
Lady Gaga wasn’t the only star at the inauguration. Jennifer Lopez was also there to sing “This Land is Your Land,” rocking an all-white ensemble.
During her passionate performance of one of the most iconic American folk songs, the star couldn’t help insert a little bit of a personal touch, calling out her popular song released in 1999, “Let’s Get Loud.”
My cat when JLo broke into “Let’s get Loud” 😂 pic.twitter.com/HemrhcnFGU
— Sarah Kaplan (@sarahkaplan48) January 20, 2021
Imagine if that green light came on and JLo did waiting for tonight
— Rose Dommu (@rosedommu) January 20, 2021
Nobody:
Seriously, not a fucking soul:
JLO: "LETS GET LOUD" pic.twitter.com/dBpb4mgxUW— mel (@lostfrank16) January 20, 2021
Powerful words from poet Amanda Gorman
One of the most impactful and powerful moments from the inauguration came from 22-year-old Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet.
Her reading of her work “The Hill We Climb” added to the message of unity and togetherness as the U.S. enters its next administration, prevailing over “catastrophe.”
“We will not march back to what was but move to what shall be. A country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free,” she read.
“There is always light if only we're brave enough to see. If only we're brave enough to be it.”
Amanda Gorman’s message serves as an inspiration to us all. #InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/7zkyDoFHaQ
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) January 20, 2021
This is the mantra @TheAmandaGorman says to herself before she performs:
"I am the daughter of Black writers. We're descended from freedom fighters who broke through chains to change the world. They call me."
https://t.co/PwvQBdfifi— David Gura (@davidgura) January 20, 2021
