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Biden and Harris begin - 22nd January 2021

Joe Biden, the 46th US president, assumed office at his inauguration at the US Capitol on Wednesday, 20th January.

In line with convention, Biden took the customary oath overlooking the national mall. A fortnight beforehand, on the same ground, President Trump’s supporters’ violent insurrection had challenged democracy.

The former president avoided the ceremony for his successor, breaking with a centuries-old tradition of marking the peaceful transfer of power. His predecessors, Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton, observed the moment.

Absent due to pandemic controls, the inauguration’s usual crowds were symbolised through almost 200,000 flags flying in the breeze on the national mall.

Joe Biden has fulfilled a lifelong ambition to assume the nation’s highest office. At 75, he also becomes the oldest person ever to enter the post.

Biden: “Preserve, protect and defend, the Constitution of the United States, so help me God.”

108 years ago, people campaigning for women’s suffrage were blocked by protestors as the presidential inauguration took place. Over a century later, Kamala Harris was sworn in as Vice President. She becomes the first woman to hold a national, elected office.

Harris: “I, Kamala Devi Harris, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States, against all enemies foreign and domestic.”

In his inaugural address, Biden counselled a divided society. He called on Americans to unite to combat the Covid crisis and record unemployment.

Biden: "Today on this January day, my whole soul is in this: bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation, and I ask every American to join me in this cause."

After Lady Gaga’s moving Star-Spangled Banner and powerful vocals from Jennifer Lopez, National Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman’s stirring poem closed proceedings.

Gorman: "There is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”