Um… What’s Kamala Harris’s Inaugural Speech Going to Be?
On January 20th, Kamala Harris will deliver her inaugural speech as the 47th President of the United States. It’s a moment that promises to not only honor America’s past but also inspire its future. You can bet this speech will be one for the history books—think Martin Luther King Jr. meets Oprah, with a dash of Beyoncé for good measure. Harris’s words will be a call for unity, justice, and the kind of change America has been waiting for.
Expect to hear echoes of the great speeches that have shaped the nation—because if there’s one thing Harris knows, it’s that words matter. Here’s a glimpse at what she might say, drawing from the most iconic speeches in American history.
"We the People"—A Call for Unity
Harris will likely begin by reminding Americans that they are all part of this democratic experiment. She’ll channel Abraham Lincoln, who in his second inaugural address declared, “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds.”
Harris’s call will be one of healing, not division. “The work of building a better, more just America is not for one person alone. It is a collective effort, and it starts with each of us. Let us not focus on the wounds of the past, but on the healing that we can bring together. Let’s choose unity over division, hope over fear, and justice over complacency.”
"Yes We Can"—A Vision of Hope and Progress
Following in the footsteps of President Barack Obama, who famously said, “Yes, we can!” Harris will bring a message of boundless hope and possibility. She will emphasize that the journey ahead is long, but the future is brighter when the nation comes together.
“As your President, I promise to work tirelessly for a more inclusive America. An America where opportunity knows no bounds, where justice is for all, and where we all stand together as one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
"Ask Not What Your Country Can Do for You"—A Call to Service
Harris will likely call on Americans to roll up their sleeves and get involved, inspired by the words of President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
“America’s strength lies not in its power, but in its people. It is time for us to come together, to serve our communities, to rebuild the foundations that make this country great. This is not just my fight; it is all of ours.”
"The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself"—Facing the Challenges Head-On
Echoing Franklin D. Roosevelt’s words during the Great Depression, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” Harris will address the challenges that lie ahead. Climate change, economic inequality, and threats to democracy are just a few of the issues the country faces. But she’ll remind the nation that courage, resilience, and unity are the antidotes to fear.
“We are facing some of the most significant challenges in our nation’s history. But let me be clear: We will not be intimidated. We will face these obstacles together, and we will come out stronger. Fear will not define us. We will face the future with strength, hope, and determination.”
"I Have a Dream"—A Vision for a More Just America
No inauguration speech would be complete without a nod to the great Martin Luther King Jr. His “I Have a Dream” speech is a cornerstone of American ideals, and Kamala Harris will likely invoke it to inspire the nation to keep pushing for justice.
“I have a dream—a dream where justice is not a distant hope but a daily reality. A dream where all Americans, regardless of race, gender, or background, are treated with dignity, respect, and equality. Let us make this dream our collective mission.”
A Final Call to Action: "Let’s Get to Work"
Harris’s speech will end on a note of optimism and action, leaving Americans—and the world—energized to face the future. She will call for solidarity, reminding the nation that this is not just a moment of celebration, but of action.
“This is our time to rise. Our time to work, to rebuild, to grow stronger, and to forge a better future. The journey will not always be easy, but I know we are up to the task. Together, we can do this. Let’s get to work.”
An International Ally's Perspective:
As an ally from Australia, I can’t help but feel a surge of gratitude for the direction America is headed. The world is watching, and America’s leadership under Kamala Harris is a bright, shining example of how democracy, justice, and unity can—and should—work. After the chaos of the years prior to Biden, this speech will be a breath of fresh air on the international stage. Harris will bring back respect, diplomacy, and leadership with integrity. The days of unpredictable Twitter rants and isolationist policies will be behind us, and in their place, we’ll see a more inclusive, cooperative America that values alliances and embraces the challenges ahead.
The world is ready for a President who speaks to the values we all share—hope, justice, and the belief that we’re all in this together. Kamala Harris is ready to lead, and the world will stand with her.