Joe Biden took a somber tone as he addressed the nation today amidst the violent “siege” on Capitol Hill. Here are excerpts from the 8-minute speech Biden said:
“At this hour, our democracy is under an unprecedented assault, unlike anything we’ve seen in modern times…The scenes of chaos at the capitol do not reflect a true America. Do not reflect who we are… This is not dissent, it’s disorder, it’s chaos, it borders on sedition, and it must end now… I call on this mob to pull back and allow working democracy to go forward.”
“At their best, the words of a president can inspire. At their worst, they can incite.”
“It’s not protest, it’s insurrection. The world’s watching, like so many other Americans. I’m generally shocked and saddened that our nation, so long the beacon of light and hope for democracy, has come to such a dark moment.”
Biden, half off stage, circles back to a shouted question about if he's concerned about inauguration: "I am not concerned about my safety, my security or my inauguration. I am not concerned. The American people are going to stand up, and stand up now. Enough is enough is enough."
— Josh Wingrove (@josh_wingrove) January 6, 2021
Watch the full speech above.