'Hopeful and Inspiring;' California, Bay Area Leaders Hail Biden/Harris Inauguration
OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- Hope and celebration were expressed by state and Bay Area elected leaders following the inauguration of now U.S. President Joseph Biden and Oakland native Vice President Kamala Harris Wednesday.
Just before noon Eastern time Wednesday, Biden and Harris were inaugurated in Washington, D.C., as former President Donald Trump traveled to Florida, a break from the tradition in which the former president typically attends the inauguration.
"Today is a hopeful and inspiring day in America," California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. "I stand with the President in his clarion call for unity and healing, to once again listen to and respect our fellow Americans, to 'end this uncivil war.'"
It is a hopeful and inspiring day in America.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 20, 2021
Our country is rooted in our democratic ideals and the peaceful transfer of power.
Today, history was made with President Joe Biden & CA's Vice President Kamala Harris.
Now, we come together to become the America we know we can be.
"I couldn't be more hopeful for tomorrow," San Francisco Mayor London Breed said in a statement.
"Today our country finally moves forward under new leadership that will deliver on the basic principles that can heal our fractured democracy: unity, common decency, and compassion for all Americans," she said.
Today is a new day for America. pic.twitter.com/BHvF7bNxFE
— London Breed (@LondonBreed) January 20, 2021
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said as she hung a recently designed Oakland-Scranton flag outside her Piedmont home, "I'm beaming with hope and pride. Today is a new day!"
Hanging the American flag and the Oakland-Scranton Unity Flag in front of my house. I'm beaming with hope and pride. Today is a new day! pic.twitter.com/bmk0UDaPPb
— Libby Schaaf (@LibbySchaaf) January 20, 2021
The flag represents the birthplaces of Harris and Biden.
State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, said, "Gotta say it. The next State of the Union will feature the following people seated behind the President: Two women. Two San Franciscans. I'm so proud."
Gotta say it. The next State of the Union will feature the following people seated behind the President:
— Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) January 20, 2021
Two women
Two San Franciscans
I'm so proud.
But San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo offered a bit of a sobering statement.
"In the depths of our crisis, it can be tempting -- and perilous -- for many Americans to believe we're inaugurating a savior today," Liccardo said.
In the depths of our crisis, it can be tempting--and perilous--to believe we're inaugurating a savior today. The Constitution doesn't entitle us to saviors, though--only to people who muster their best ideas, energy, and spirit to lead. (1/3) https://t.co/5cQLUcm55Z
— Sam Liccardo (@sliccardo) January 20, 2021
"The Constitution doesn't entitle us to saviors, though -- only to people who muster their best ideas, energy, and spirit to lead," he said.
"It's up to all of us to do the hard work of supporting their leadership, and rebuilding our troubled nation in these difficult times," Liccardo added. "Let's celebrate this moment to exhale, to unite, and summon our common strength to overcome what still awaits us."
I'm so excited to say congratulations to @POTUS Joe Biden and @VP Kamala Harris. Let's get to work!
— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) January 20, 2021
Congratulations to Joe Biden & Kamala Harris, our newly inaugurated @POTUS and @VP. The Biden Administration's commitment to rebuilding our nation and governing with integrity comes at a critical time. Under their leadership, we can finally begin to build back better! pic.twitter.com/RcVzuCkOYG
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) January 20, 2021