FORT MYERS, Fla. — President Joe Biden says he’s focused on restoring the soul of America.
During his inaugural speech Wednesday, President Joe Biden talked about fighting the pandemic and political extremism.
“White supremacy, domestic terrorism, that we must confront, and we will defeat,” said President Biden.
Republican Byron Donalds says he hopes President Biden stays true to his words.
“Being able to work with both sides of the aisle. Being able to actually serve and lead all Americans like he said today. I hope he can,” he said.
When it comes to confronting white supremacy, many say Trump failed to do that during the presidential debate against now President Biden. As an avid Trump supporter, Donalds disagrees.
“The previous President on multiple occasions has denounced white supremacy,” said Donalds. “His focus was really on our economic issues, growing our economy, actually controlling the southern border. Controlling immigration for the United States and making sure we get out of foreign wars. Endless foreign wars.”
Unity was another theme of President Biden’s inaugural speech. Fort Myers Councilman Johnny Streets says he’s hoping Biden will bring the country together by doing what President Trump didn’t do.
“In order to show unity, there has to be some accountability. But, the administration that’s leaving, hasn’t shown any accountability,” he said.
Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson said forgiveness is just as important.
“Let’s start by looking each other in the eye, and forgiving each other for things we may be upset with. And let those things go, and build on tomorrow,” he said.
Councilman Streets’ philosophy for the nation’s healing process is the same as the one he has for local politics in Fort Myers.
“First of all, you have to acknowledge that there are some problems. It’s just like wounds. Before a wound can heal, it has to be cleaned out,” said Streets.
Congressman Donalds also talked about the COVID relief package President Biden has already presented. He says he doesn’t agree with a lot of the things outlined, including raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.
