Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Sworn in as President and Vice President

9:16 AM PT — Joe Biden just delivered his Inauguration speech as the 46th President, and it was all about America’s resilience and the need to unite under a new chapter in the country.

Biden laid out the challenges facing the U.S. at large — including perhaps the most pressing being the pandemic — and vowed that his whole soul was in the cause of moving us forward together, to get past the ugliness that’s been exposed among so many of us of late.

He went on to acknowledge that the country is divided, but that those divisions are not new … and expressed optimism that Americans can rise above them, with the help of our better angels. He says the road ahead will be difficult, but not one that can’t be forged and conquered with peace and understanding.

Biden says we must meet this moment as the UNITED States of America — adding that America has never failed in that regard. He urged us to start fresh, to listen to one another … and to respect one another. He also said this … not every disagreement has to result in war.

Joe went on to touch on the Capitol insurrection, saying with force … those folks didn’t succeed in their effort to dismantle democracy, and that they wouldn’t ever succeed in that.

In a nice pivot, he pledged to be a President for all Americans … including for those who didn’t support him, just as much as he is for those who did. He had very telling line at one point, saying … “We’ll lead not merely by the example of our power, but by the power of our example” as he was addressing foreign nations looking to see what the U.S. would do next.

President Biden promised we’d get through this pandemic together — emphasizing that we’ve been tested, but will come out stronger in meeting the challenges ahead. He said in his first act as President, he wanted everyone to remember those we’ve lost in the pandemic … and led a moment of silence and prayer for the deceased.

Joe ended by quoting lyrics from Norah Jones’ “American Anthem,” and then gave his word that he would work tirelessly to write a new story for the country … and help bring us back to top form with the utmost devotion.

The speech was both realistic, yet hopeful … and definitely a change of pace from what we’ve experienced of late in terms of leadership. After Joe’s remarks, Garth Brooks performed “Amazing Grace,” capping off an inauguration that went as well as one could hope.

8:53 AM PT — Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have officially been sworn in as the 46th President and Vice President of United States, taking their oaths of office from two Supreme Court Justices … Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Sonia Sotomayor, respectively.

Prior to Vice President Harris taking her oath, Lady Gaga came out and sang the National Anthem in a very unique outfit — complete with what appeared to be a golden dove broach. After her, Jennifer Lopez came out to sing “America the Beautiful” ahead of Biden’s swearing-in … and both performances went off without a hitch.

J Lo said a part of the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish, to rousing applause.