Like much of the world, the eyes of Coppell were on Washington D.C. this week as the United States transferred power to a new president. On Wednesday, President Joe Biden commenced his four-year journey of serving the United States starting a new chapter in American history. 

“Biden has a lot on his shoulders at the moment, from following one of the most controversial presidencies in U.S. history to following all the promises he made during his campaign,” Coppell High School junior Tanisha Chaudhuri said. 

Transitioning from one presidency to the next can be difficult. However, this time it is more than just a challenge. 

“[Donald Trump’s] presidency polarized the political parties exponentially, and any effort that Biden and [Vice President Kamala Harris] make when unifying our country may not be as effective as we wish it would be,” Chaudhuri said. “There are too many disagreements between parties on both sides of the aisle to fully unify our country, but the advocacy and the rigor that Biden and Harris are trying to unite this country is good. There is a long way until unity comes and it may not be during these next four years, but these next four years are definitely a start.” 

Despite the violence that occurred at the Capitol on Jan. 6, President Biden said that he felt safe. AP government teacher Kimberly Lee felt that this was a sign of confidence and reassurance.  

“It’s good that [Biden] openly says that in public, because it’s important to be optimistic in front of the American people,” Lee said. “The last thing that America really needs is to be in chaos over fear. So I think he truly [has] taken every preventable measure, down to the bullet proof glass that he will be surrounded by.”

Slightly before noon yesterday, history was made. Vice President Harris was sworn into office and became the first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president, setting a new standard and becoming an inspirational figure for people throughout the country. 

“I’m so proud to be able to say that I finally see representation in our federal government in the form of Harris,” Chaudhuri said. “Her accomplishment for every little girl who has ever been shot down for having too many loud opinions of any person of color, who was told to keep their head down in this country. She’s already inspired a whole generation and I hope her accomplishments as vice president live up to the example she has set for all people of color and women out there.” 

From the presidential campaign and the election to inauguration day, Youth Politics Collective (YPC) co-founder Shrayes Gunna, a CHS sophomore, and YPC members were able to compare and contrast both presidential candidates. 

“[The discussions we had] allowed for students to not only better understand the election as well as Biden’s policies, but realize the advantages and disadvantages of certain positions,” Gunna said. “Moreover, Biden’s inauguration speaks to the goals of the YPC, to unite people and cultivate a space for discussion and interconnection.” 

Furthermore, the Biden administration has hit the ground running by signing 17 executive orders, memorandums and proclamations in the Oval Office. 

“What we saw during the Trump presidency was the reversion of several executive orders and decisions made by former President Barack Obama,” Gunna said. “To the same effect, I believe Biden will similarly return to the positions of predecessor Obama. For instance, during the first day of Biden’s presidency he joined the WHO. Such acts only mark the start to major change that Biden [could potentially] actualize in the midst of his presidency.” 

Gunna thinks Biden’s first day as president reflected the theme of the inauguration: “America United.”

“That’s essentially what was needed [during] these times,” Gunna said. “Polarization is ever present, it’s pervasive within our country. We finally have a president that is seeking to bring unity to our nation and build a bridge between the two sides instead of trying to build walls. It’s a powerful message to the American people and it’s this idea that we should build connections with one another and communicate no matter political beliefs. Ultimately, [Biden] is trying to set the goal for the next four years for regrowth and revival of our unity.”

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