Welcome Back, America!
The Big Roll‑Out
On the crisp morning of January 20th, Joe Biden walked up the steps of the U.S. Capitol—only two weeks after a whirlwind protest had turned the building into a one‑day theme park for chaos. With a coffee in one hand and a giant smile on his face, he was ready to lay down the bars of the last four‑year ride and toss a fresh can of unity into the mix.
Unity Over the Divide
During his inaugural address, the new president made the case that fixing our nation’s injuries takes more than hot‑take politics. It needs coalition—yes, even the kind that mixes deep‑blue states, red states and Aunt Mae’s Sunday garden.
- “To mend the soul, the first step is to put down the passive‑aggressive debating mode and open our hearts,” Biden said, sounding like a neighborhood pastor on an open‑mic night.
- “The war of colors—red versus blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal—has to end. That means serious listening, not just 1‑hour‑cuts on Twitter.”
From Campaign Promise to Reality
Biden promised swift action back in the campaign trail: sign lots of executive orders right after the oath. And he delivered. The first batch included:
- Mask mandates on all federal property—because if we’re going to keep our lungs safe, we’ll tackle it where it counts.
- Rejoining the Paris Climate Accord—turning the climate conversation from “Wait, what” to “Okay, done.”
- Lifting the travel ban on several Muslim‑majority countries—bringing folks back to the “treaty” that keeps our frontlines open.
Biden’s Letter of Hope
He mentioned a “very generous letter” from Trump, promising that the contents would stay under wraps until a personal chat with the former president. Talk about keeping the suspense alive!
History in a Pandemic Pitch
Although America’s celebration was a signature moment in U.S. history, it had a twist—a reminder of the pandemic that still makes the headlines: more than 400,000 lives lost, a nationwide economic reset, and a fight that’s still ongoing. For now, the new president invites the country to forge a path forward together, proving that even the most divisive times can be turned into break‑throughs—with a sprinkle of hope and a dash of humor.
<img alt="" data-caption="US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden stand on the East Front of the US Capitol with Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emoff after the inauguration ceremony in Washington, DC, US Jan 20, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”89870b14-3e1e-4ef6-b954-7922af68da5f” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210121_theinaugurationceremony_reuters.jpg”/><img alt="" data-caption="US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden wave as they arrive at the North Portico of the White House in Washington, DC, US, Jan 20, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”bd2ef3fc-54fb-415e-ab62-7136426393b3″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210121_joebidenandjillbiden_reuters.jpg”/>
Capitol Surges: Guardians, Flags, and a Historic Vice‑Presidency
While whispers of fresh trouble echoed in the air, the National Guard rolled out like a bunch of armored superheroes, encircling the U.S. Capitol in a move that never happened before. It was a bold, almost cinematic showcase of power and preparedness.
A Storm of Flags
Picture the familiar riot of crowds suddenly replaced by nearly 200,000 waving U.S. flags. If you’ve ever been at the National Mall, you’d know it’s usually a sea of cheering faces. That day, it felt more like a patriotic parade of reds, whites, and blues, each flag shimmering like a tiny American star in the sun.
Dignitaries in Disguise
In an etiquette‑diplomatic drama, key figures—including former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton—emitted calm vibes by donning masks and giving each other a respectful “five‑foot” breathing space. The ceremony was a clean, no‑nudge event aimed at keeping the vibe both secure and hopeful.
- Barack Obama – Former President
- George W. Bush – Former President
- Bill Clinton – Former President
Harris’s Historic Swearing‑In
When President Biden chose Kamala Harris as his running mate, it set the stage for a triple first stamp on the U.S. political canvas. Harris, the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, joined a very exclusive club as: the first Black person, the first woman, and the first Asian American to serve as Vice President. Her oath was administered by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the Court’s first Latina jurist, turning the moment into a watershed feast of progress.
All in all, the Capitol did more than just host a ceremony; it marked a powerful blend of security, unity, and pioneering history—all under the watchful glow of countless flags and a quiet yet mighty National Guard presence.
<img alt="" data-caption="US Vice President Kamala Harris heads to the White House after the 2021 inauguration, in Washington, US, Jan 20, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”302a30a4-5f40-4461-b7c1-617c8b0b0268″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210121_kamalaharris_reuters.jpg”/><img alt="" data-caption="Kamala Harris bumps fists with US President-elect Joe Biden, after she was sworn in as Vice President of the United States during the inauguration on the West Front of the US Capitol in Washington, US, Jan 20, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”fa548112-52ce-4159-90f9-06a613167156″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210121_kamalabumpfistswithjoe_reuters.jpg”/>
Biden’s First Day as President: A Quiet Yet Powerful Takeover
January 20th marked a historic hand‑off, with former President Donald J. Trump flying off to Mar‑a‑Lago after a whirlwind of controversies and a brash exit from the White House. Meanwhile, Joe Biden stepped into the Oval Office, pledging a new era of unity and hope.
Where the Chaos Left Off
The Capitol uprising on Jan. 6, when Trump supporters stormed the building, left lawmakers scrambling for safety. Five lives were lost, including a brave police officer. The violence spurred the Democratic House to file an unprecedented second impeachment charge—accusing Trump of incitement for urging his base to march on the nation’s most sacred institution.
Biden’s Emotional Response
In a felling address, Biden stormed out the way he listened: “Here we stand… after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people… It did not happen; it will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever.” He echoed a historic message of resilience and the promise that the country will never be racked by violence again.
Trump’s Unorthodox Farewell
- He refused to meet with Biden or attend his inauguration—blowing a political tradition that seals the peaceable transfer of power.
- At a press conference on Jan. 20, he shrugged off having lost the Nov. 3 election—skipping any mention of Biden in his “great administration” recap.
- His final words? “I’ve owned the system still.” He then left for Florida.
Top Republicans Back Trump Even in the End
Key GOP leaders, including Vice President Mike Pence and congressional heads, dipped into Biden’s inauguration and walked the halls of the VA with smiles. Their attendance was a subtle warning about the still‑present factional loyalty within the party.
Biden Faces a Quartet of Crises
The newly sworn-in president found himself up against a daunting lineup of problems:
- Continuing COVID-19 challenges.
- Global economic downturns that spread into the U.S.
- Mounting climate change risks.
- Deepening racial inequality across the nation.
His advisers called these “four compounding crises,” a mental image of a tri‑aged mind that couldn’t be too severe.
An Unexpected Call for Unity
In his inaugural speech, Biden switched from Trump’s typical sharp, adversarial tone to a more conciliatory, folksy approach. He urged even his opponents to give his administration a trial: “I’ll be a president for all Americans… I’ll fight as hard for those who didn’t support me as for those who did.”
Outlook for the World
While Biden’s words focused majorly on domestic healing, he didn’t shy away from the global stage. The former “America First” president’s tenure had left shaky alliances and strained relationships with North Korea, Iran, and China. Biden pledged to mend these frayed lines, and to stand firm as a partner for peace, progress, and security—although he kept his dealings with high‑stakes adversaries in a more diplomatic quiet.
Global Reception
Many world leaders issued straight‑forward congratulatory statements. U.S. allies and diplomatic friends breathed a collective sigh of relief—seeing a more predictable, well‑behaved partner step into the White House after a wild, unpredictable tenure.
And thus begins a new chapter: Biden looking toward a calmer day, while the nation volunteers the courage to rise from the ashes of a chaotic, fender‑bender past.
Immediate action
Biden’s Big Day: From Oath to Celebrity Walk
Presidential Double‑Take: Biden did the whole oath routine handed by Chief Justice John Roberts, but the kicker was his left hand gently cradling a five‑inch heirloom Bible that’s been rolling in his family for a whole century. He’s motto? “A little history keeps the present touching.”
Wreath‑Laying & Whose‑Fit Guy‑Booties
After swearing in, the former vice‑president leapt into Arlington’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He strolled there with three other former leaders—Obama, Bush, and Clinton—making one of the most wholesome “former presidents” photo‑ops we’ve ever seen. The vibe: solemn, straight‑forward, and a bit of nostalgia.
Motorcade to the White House, With a Twist
Then the limousines rolled out, but the triumvirate of Biden and family decided to ditch the vehicle for the final stretch. They walked the last few hundred yards, sometimes stopping on a curb to chat with reporters, friends, or a random passerby. “Feels like I’m going home,” Biden told a press crew, and you can almost hear the comforting hum of a morning commute under the Washington sky.
78, The Oldest, The Boldest
Biden’s inauguration crowned a five‑decade career: 30+ years in the Senate, two terms as VP, and now the 46th president. At 78, he broke the age record, but he’s got more stamina than a marathon runner. Expect him to face a hurricane of issues, from the pandemic to political turbulence.
Pandemic Parallels: Grinning Amid Grief
When Trump’s final day in office hit the floor (thank you, “2025‑dash” for the context), the death toll leapt past 400,000 and infections topped 24 million. Millions were out of work, waiting for a spring in the economic garden.
Our new boss is pushing a $1.9 trillion relief plan—meaning expanded unemployment, direct cash to households, and a stronger shield against the pandemic’s fatigue. He’s counting on a divided Congress, where Democrats have slim margins, to bring that plan home.
First 100 Days: Vaccines, Vows, and Virtual Trials
In the first 100 days, Biden promised 100 million Covid shots. Prime agenda: mass vaccination rollout, he’s said—looking to get more folks out of the pandemic bubble. The Senate, however, might get swamped by the impeachment trial of former President Trump, a process that’s now moving forward even after Trump left the office.
Time to see how the old and new leaders play their parts—one eventful chapter at a time.
