Politics, Elections and Government

Kansas And Missouri Politicians From Both Parties Echo Biden's Call For Unity

KCUR | By Lukas Kenney

Published January 20, 2021 at 4:27 PM CST

President Joe Biden hugs first lady Jill Biden, his son Hunter Biden and daughter Ashley Biden after being sworn-in during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

After months of turmoil surrounding the election results, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in as president and vice president of the United States during Wednesday’s inaugural ceremony.

Several local leaders attended the 59th Presidential Inauguration Wednesday and afterward shared their reactions online.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., offered his congratulations to President Biden and Vice President Harris.

The dawn has come and hope springs eternal.

Congratulations to President @JoeBiden and Vice President @KamalaHarris!
— Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (@repcleaver) January 20, 2021

So did Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., and Missouri Senate Majority Leader Caleb Rowden.

Congratulations, President @JoeBiden and Vice President @KamalaHarris.

I’m looking forward to doing the people’s work alongside you.
— Congresswoman Cori Bush (@RepCori) January 20, 2021

Congratulation to @POTUS and @VP on officially being sworn in today. This nation is the greatest in the history of the world because, among a long list of other things, this day happens every four years. 1/2
— Caleb Rowden (@calebrowden) January 20, 2021

Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan., said she’s looking forward to working with the new administration and echoed President Biden’s message of unity.

We have the opportunity right now to turn the page on the past four years and begin a new chapter of American history – one where we put community first, where facts and science matter, where we focus on what unites us instead of divides us. (1/2)
— Rep. Sharice Davids (@RepDavids) January 20, 2021

Missouri Republican Sen. Roy Blunt, chair of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, also focused on unity when he spoke at the event.

“This is not a moment of division. It’s a moment of unification,” Blunt said. “A determined democracy will continue to be essential in pursuit of a more perfect union and a better future for all Americans.”

Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., tweeted pictures of himself and his wife at the inauguration and said he hopes to work with the new administration on coronavirus-related issues.

Laina & I joined Americans to witness Constitutional transition of power to Pres. @JoeBiden. I have hope we can work together to tackle issues facing 🇺🇸: get COVID-19 vaccine in the arms of everyone who wants & needs it, job recovery & opening economy back to pre-pandemic levels. pic.twitter.com/OQm2hadPaT
— Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) January 20, 2021

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas also attended the ceremony.

The peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone of our democracy.

Proud to represent Kansas City here today. #Inauguration2021 pic.twitter.com/8ZJDR8iVMX
— Mayor Quinton Lucas (@MayorLucasKC) January 20, 2021

In a statement, Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-Mo., praised former President Donald Trump before congratulating President Biden.

“President Trump achieved much during his term in office, including a booming economy with record-low unemployment, the rebuilding of our military, and an unprecedented vaccine development program in Operation Warp Speed — all completed in only four years. While we recognize him for his many accomplishments, it is now time to move forward under our 46th commander in chief and come together just as Americans have since the birth of our nation.”