President Joe Biden cited Jan. 6 in his inaugural address to Howard University students on Saturday, denouncing “immoral” efforts to remain in power in a clear attempt to thwart former President Donald Trump’s election coup.
He also brought up Vice President Kamala Harris, a Howard alumnus, and announced the appointment of Ketanji Brown Jackson. Both are the first women to hold office.
“By the way, she’s smarter than the rest,” Biden said weeks after announcing his re-election campaign at the age of 80.
Biden returned to “soul of the nation” issues when speaking to students at HBCU, along with his politically influential supporter, Rep. James C. Clyburn (DS.C.).
“I see you are a leader, and I’m not exaggerating — you will be a leader,” he told the graduates.
“There are those who demonize and pit people against each other,” President Joe Biden said in remarks rebuking Donald Trump’s attempt to overthrow the election
“Let’s be clear again. For those who don’t see it, you don’t want this feature. There are those who demonize and turn people against each other. “There are those who would do anything, no matter how desperate or immoral, to stay in power,” he said.
“This will never be an easy fight.” But I do know one thing: the oldest and darkest forces believe they will determine America’s future. But they are wrong. We will determine America’s future. “You will determine America’s future.”
He spoke as Special Counsel Jack Smith continues to investigate efforts to overthrow the election, while polls show a narrow rift between Biden and Trump, the Republican Party’s leading candidate for president.
Biden also spoke of January 6 and the struggle for democracy.
“January 2021 – I stood in the US Capitol to be sworn in as President of the United States.” Just days before, a violent riot broke out at that very spot. “A dagger at the throat, a democracy,” he called it.
Students gathered in Washington to hear Biden at DC’s Capital One Arena for the opening of Howard University
Biden called Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson “smarter than the rest” and welcomed his appointment
“For the first time in our history, an attempt to prevent a peaceful transfer of power in this country.” They failed. Our democracy held. Hope won again. And this time, I stood with a black woman who was about to walk a two-mile procession down Pennsylvania Avenue as President and Vice President of the United States. It was March, and by their side, the Howard University marching band performed in step and solidarity,” he said.
“I’m not saying this because I’m in black HBCU, I’m saying it wherever I go.” They champion the truth rather than lies, lies told for the sake of power or profit. “To counter the ongoing attack to undermine our elections, we must suppress our right to vote,” Biden said.
“The most dangerous terrorist threat facing our homeland is white supremacy,” Biden said.
Biden has been applauded for his call for student loan debt forgiveness, even though his policy faces a court hearing. He also called for the deletion of court records for those who have committed nonviolent drug crimes.
He linked his cause to the civil rights struggle and the Charlottesville march, which he said had spurred his return to public service.
“But I do know this: The oldest and darkest forces believe that they will determine the future of America.” But they are wrong. We will determine America’s future, you will determine the Americans who don’t verbally have no graduating class to choose a world in which to graduate.
He referred to Trump’s famous quote “Good people on both sides”.
On student loans, he targeted the GOP, which he usually refers to as “MAGA Republicans.”
“This new Republican Party is totally against it and is suing me. My registration prevents you from receiving student debt relief.” The same opposition received, I might add, bailout loans to keep their businesses afloat during the pandemic. Members of Congress worth thousands or even millions of dollars, most of which did not have to be repaid. Yet they say it’s okay for them, but not for you.’
“I find it outrageous,” he said.
The President reflected on fate towards the end of his own remarks, in which he appeared to express some of his own life choices as he embarked on a new chapter after decades in public life.
“You don’t know where or what fate will take you and when. You just have to keep going. You just have to keep the faith you need to just stand up. And when you find the balance between the pursuit of happiness and success, good purpose and family, and, as you know here at Howard, excellent leadership and honest service, you will never give up. “There’s no quitting in America,” he said.