Joe Biden’s Line Of The Night Shows His Biggest Difference From Donald Trump

The president's speech included a line that's hard to imagine coming from his predecessor.
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President Joe Biden delivered his first prime-time televised address since taking office to speak about the coronavirus pandemic and vaccination effort, including his plan for everyone to be eligible for a shot by May 1.

And he offered a glimmer of hope: People may begin to gather again by Independence Day... but only if everyone does their part:

“I promise I will do everything in my power, I will not relent until we beat this virus, but I need you, the American people. I need you. I need every American to do their part. That’s not hyperbole. I need you. I need you to get vaccinated when it’s your turn and when you can find an opportunity, and to help your family, your friends, your neighbors get vaccinated as well.”

On social media, many pointed to that moment as illustrative of the biggest contrast between Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump, who in 2016 declared that “I alone can fix it”:

President Biden to Americans: “I need you to do your part. I need you,” as he pleads with Americans to get vaccinated when it’s their turn. This is the national unity message we didn’t get for a year.

— Joy-Ann Pro-Democracy & Masks Reid 😷 (@JoyAnnReid) March 12, 2021

My two cents: the “I need you, I need you” is the most memorable and unusual appeal in prime-time presidential speech making.

— Scott Wilson (@PostScottWilson) March 12, 2021

Almost five years ago, a soon to be American President said, “I alone can fix it.”

Tonight, another American President said, “I need you. I need you, the American people, to do your part to beat this virus. I need YOU.”

— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) March 12, 2021

.@JoeBiden is the President we need right now.
He didn't say "you need ME."
He said "I need YOU."

That's what it's all about, isn't it? pic.twitter.com/4IfaYNE5jH

— Van Jones (@VanJones68) March 12, 2021

This really is a beautiful sentiment and beyond being true, shows Biden's inner strength asking others for help.

Can you imagine Donald Trump admit needing anyone? https://t.co/noYv7ewau1

— Drew Gibson (@SuppressThis) March 12, 2021

The thought of getting together with friends around July 4th makes me genuinely emotional https://t.co/8RkWGqzjFY

— Ethan Gardner 🏛🗳 (@ethanhgardner) March 12, 2021

After four years of narcissism and “You need me,” the President of the United States just said “I need you.” I almost forgot what a real president sounds like. This, tonight, is why Joe Biden had to win last fall. Thank God he did. #Biden

— Jack F.K. Bungart (@JFKBungart) March 12, 2021

President Biden: "I need you, the American people. I need you. I need every American to do their part. That's not hyperbole. I need you. I need you to get vaccinated when it's your turn and when you can find an opportunity."

— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) March 12, 2021

“I need you” > “I alone can fix it.” #BidenAddress

— Chris Barton (@Bartography) March 12, 2021

We’ve gone from “I alone can fix it” to “I need you” — real leadership

— DJ Koessler (@DJKoessler) March 12, 2021

Moving speech. Compassionate. Truthful. Hopeful. https://t.co/Wa5fQmoL5E

— dawn (@SisterDawnMarie) March 12, 2021

"I need you to get vaccinated when it's your turn" Biden says, in what appears to be a direct address to my Catholic guilt

— Emily Wilkins (@emrwilkins) March 12, 2021

President. ❤️ https://t.co/oURiJo9c2L

— Steve Perryman (@stperryman) March 12, 2021

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