Joe Biden addresses nation: ‘This is a time to heal’

WILMINGTON, Del. — Joe Biden gave his first speech as president-elect Saturday night, celebrating his victory while also stressing unity and hope.

>> Read more trending news

“Folks, the people of this nation have spoken,” Biden said. "They’ve delivered us a clear victory. A convincing victory.

“A victory for, we, the people.”

Biden’s appearance at the Chase Center in Wilmington comes 48 years to the day after he was elected to represent Delaware in the Senate at the age of 29, The New York Times reported. He was joined by his wife, Jill Biden, as well as Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff.

Wearing a black mask as he trotted to the podium, Biden fist-bumped Harris. Taking off his mask, Biden talked about unity, appealing to those people who voted for President Donald Trump to bring both sides together.

“Now for all those of you who voted for President Trump, I understand your disappointment tonight. I’ve lost a couple of times myself, but now let’s give each other a chance,” Biden said. “This is a time to heal.”

Biden said his first act as president-elect will be to name scientific advisers and experts to lead a panel for a response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Harris introduced Biden, telling the crowd that the President was "a healer, a uniter, a tested and steady hand.”

Harris also talked about the symbolism of her victory, saying, “While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last, because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.”

In a written statement earlier Saturday, Biden called for the nation to come together.

“It’s time for America to unite,” he said. “And to heal.

“I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide but unify, who doesn’t see red states and blue states, only sees the United States.”

Thousands of supporters flooded into the neighborhood around the Chase Center starting Saturday morning, eager to show support for the president-elect and vice president-elect, The Washington Post reported.

Biden said he was surprised by the celebrations nationwide, calling them “an outpouring of joy, of hope, renewed faith in tomorrow to bring another day.”

“I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me,” Biden said.

Biden ended his speech by citing a popular Catholic hymn, “On Eagles' Wings,” saying it was the favorite song of his late son, Beau Biden.

The song “captures the faith that sustains me and which I believe sustains America, and a hope, and I hope it can provide some comfort and solace to the 230,000 Americans who have lost a loved one due to this terrible virus this year,” Biden told the crowd. “My heart goes out to each and every one of you. Hopefully, this hymn gives you solace as well.”

Cox Media Group