Biden called for an end to "poison" in politics

Heading into a festive weekend, despite the winter storm threatening much of the United States, Joe Biden delivered his annual Christmas address Thursday. The president called for an end to ideological hostility, for Americans to see each other again as "compatriots" and to drain the "poison" that has been infecting the country’s politics.

From the Cross Hall of the White House, and with First Lady Jill Biden at his side, Biden said that national politics has become very “partisan” and urged citizens to meet again during the holidays. "Our politics has gotten so angry, so mean, so partisan...," he began. And he added: "Too often we see each other as enemies, not as neighbors; as Democrats or Republicans, not as fellow Americans. We've become too divided."

In that regard, he added that he hopes to drain the "poison" from politics and return to bipartisan cooperation in favor of the United States. "I sincerely hope this holiway, this holiday season, will drain the poison that has infected our politics and set us against one another, the president said.

The pandemic and personal recollection

Biden referred once again to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the "difficult times" the world has experienced in recent years: "The pandemic has taken so much from us. We've lost so much time with one another. We've lost so many people - people we loved. Over a million lives lost in America alone. That's a million empty chairs breaking hearts in homes all across the country."

Finally, he stated that for many, Christmas is a time of grief due to the loss of loved ones. He recalled that on that same date, 50 years ago, his first wife and daughter were killed in an car accident. "I know how hard this time of year can be," he said.