Biden slams Trump — but offers hopeful message — in first prime-time address to the country
President Joe Biden said his predecessor let the coronavirus "spread unchecked," then spoke to the hopes and heartaches, dreams and deaths, loss and loves the American people have experienced over the past year in his first address to the nation, which marked the one-year anniversary the coronavirus was declared a pandemic.
Biden announced he is instructing states to make all adult Americans eligible to get the coronavirus vaccine by May 1. He predicts by that point two million people a day will be able to get vaccinated. He announced the rollout of a national website to make finding a provider to vaccinate Americans easier.
Biden said, "I need you," urging everyone to get vaccinated and "do your part" so American can begin a return back to normal.
He said he wants July 4 to not only mark our independence, but our independence from the virus.
"Beating this virus and getting back to normal depends on national unity," he said, but warned if it doesn't happen restrictions may have to be re-introduced.
A few video excerpts:
The speech was delivered hours after Biden signed a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill, and by signing this into law he just delivered the biggest legislative victory for the young in generations. Although the bill was opposed by every Republican, $1,400 relief checks will begin being deposited this weekend.
But over at Fox News, the network was apparently worried about Biden speaking for too long. While Donald Trump routinely gave speeches lasting more than an hour -- with multiple speeches lasting longer than 90 minutes -- Fox complained about Biden's 24-minute address.
"Biden should be finished; Tucker is on any minute."
But Fox News had Tucker Carlson give real-time reaction to the speech through his facial expressions:
