Perspectives: Biden's Message of Unity

On his campaign trail, President Joe Biden promised to "unify" an increasingly polarized nation. He echoed this message in his first address as president Wednesday, calling on Americans to face the challenges ahead together, to "show a little tolerance and humility," and to "end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal." Biden also said that the country's unity is threatened by several forces including racism, political extremism, white supremacy and domestic terrorism. Some on all sides, but predominantly from the left and center, praised Biden's emphasis on unity as an urgent and necessary goal; others, such as Al Jazeera, paint it as a daunting task. Some voices from the left also criticized GOP anger at Biden's speech, painting it as an attempt to dodge blame and take control of the narrative. Biden received some criticism, especially from the right, for these aspects of his speech, saying that unity came across as conditional, and as a call to conform to a political correctness that discourages free speech. Some prominent right voices such as Fox News host Tucker Carlson, criticized this aspect of Biden's speech, saying that the Biden administration would likely paint a "broad definition of white supremacy," allowing him to "exclude some Americans." Overall, pessimistic or negative takes around Biden's message seemed to be highlighted more than positive ones throughout the online media spectrum. Some voices from both left and right were more receptive to Biden's message and focused on the actions of the new administration, examining his latest legislative proposals to see if they serve the interest of both parties.