hello and welcome. you join us as us presidentjoe biden prepares to deliver his first primetime address to mark a year since the covid—19 pandemic struck. he is expected to tell americans he is taking a more aggressive action to speed covid—19 vaccinations and move the country closer to normality byjuly 4th. a few hours ago the president signed into law his $1.9 trillion stimulus bill. lets go live to the white house and have a look at the scene of the east room. traditionally, presidents beforehand spoke in prime—time from the oval office but this is the east room of the white house and mr biden in a few seconds time will walk down that red carpet of the cross hall and deliver the address that was the same place in which obama spoke and occasionally mr donald trump. as you can see at the end, the door has opened and the president is approaching the podium. president is approaching the odium. ,., ., , president is approaching the odium, ,., ., , ., podium. good evening, my fellow americans- _ podium. good evening, my fellow americans. tonight, _ podium. good evening, my fellow americans. tonight, i— podium. good evening, my fellow americans. tonight, i would - americans. tonight, iwould like to talk to you about where we are as we mark one year since everything stopped because of this pandemic. a year ago, we were hit with the virus which was met with silence and spread unchecked. denials for days, weeks, then months, that lead to more deaths, more infections, more stress, and more loneliness. photos and videos from 2019 feel like they were taken in another era. the last vacation, last birthday with friends, the last birthday with friends, the last holiday with the extended family. while it was different for everyone, we all lost something. a collect of suffering, a collective sacrifice. a year filled with the loss of life and the loss of living for all of us. but in the loss, we saw how much there was to gain, appreciation, respect and gratitude. finding light in the darkness is a very american thing to do. in fact, it may be the most american thing we do. and that's what we have done. with scene front and essential workers risking their lives, sometimes losing them, to save and help others. researchers and scientists racing for a vaccine, and so many of you, as hemingway wrote, being strong in all the broken places. i know it's been hard. i truly no. as i've told you before, i carry a card in my pocket with the number of americans who have died from covid to date, it's on the back of my schedule. as of now, the total deaths in america, 527,726, that's more deaths than in world war i, world war ii, the vietnam war and 9/11 combined. they were husbands, wives, sons and daughters. grandparents, friends, neighbours, young and old. they leave behind loved ones, unable to truly grieve or to heal, even to have a funeral. but i'm also thinking about everyone else we lost this past year, to natural causes, by cruel fate of accident or other disease. they too, died alone. they too leave behind loved ones who are hurting badly. i know you've often heard me say before, i'd talk about the longest walk any parent can make, is up a short flight of stairs to his child's bedroom, to say i'm sorry, i've lost myjob. i can't be here anymore. like my dad told me when he lost his job anymore. like my dad told me when he lost hisjob in scranton, so many of you have had to make that same walk this past year. you lost yourjob, close your business, facing eviction, homelessness, hunger. a loss of control. may be worst of all, a loss of hope. watching a generation of children who may be set back up to a year or more because they've not been in school because of their loss of learning. it's the details of life that matter the most, and we miss those details. the big details and the small moments. weddings, birthdays, graduations. all the things that needed to happen but didn't. the first date, the family reunions, the sunday night rituals. it all has exacted a terrible cost on the psyche of so many of us, for we are fundamentally a people who want to be with others, to talk, to laugh, to hug, to hold one another. but this virus has kept us apart. grandparents haven't seen their children or grandchildren. parents haven't seen their kids. kids haven't seen their kids. kids haven't seen their kids. kids haven't seen theirfriends. seen their kids. kids haven't seen their friends. the things we used to do that always filled us with joy have become things we couldn't do, and broke our hearts. we've turned against one another. a mask, the easiest thing to do to save lives, sometimes it divides us. states pitted against one another. instead of working with one another. vicious hate crimes against asian—americans who have been attacked, harassed, blamed and scapegoated. at this very moment, so many of them, ourfellow americans, very moment, so many of them, our fellow americans, they are on the frontlines this pandemic trying to save lives and still, still, they are forced to live in fear for their lives, just walking down streets in america. it's wrong, it's un—american and it must stop. look, we know what we need to do to beat this virus. tell the truth. follow the scientists and the science, work together. trust and faith in our government to fill its most important function which is protecting the american people stopping no function more important. we need to remember, the government isn't some foreign force in a distant capital. no, it's arthur. all of us. we, the people. for you and i, that america thrives when we give our heart, when we turn our hands to common purpose. and right now, my friends, we are doing just that. and i have to say, as your president i am grateful to you. last summer, i was in philadelphia and i'm at a small business owner, a woman. i asked her, isaid, what do business owner, a woman. i asked her, i said, what do you need most? i'd neverforget what she said to me. she said, she looked me in the inc said i just want the truth. the truth, just want the truth. the truth, just tell me the truth. think of that. my fellow americans, you are owed nothing less than the truth. and for all of you asking when things will get back to normal, here is the truth. the only way to get our lives back, to get our economy back on track is to beat the virus stopper you've been hearing me say that while i was running and the last 50 days i've been president, but this is one of the most complex operations we've ever undertaken as a nation in a long time. that's why i'm using every power i have as president of the united states to put us on the war footing to get the job done. sounds like hyperbole but i mean it. a warfooting. and thank god we're making some real progress now. in my first full day in office, my outline for you a comprehensive strategy to beat this pandemic. we've spent every day since attempting to carry it out. two months ago, this country didn't have nearly enough vaccine supply to vaccinate all or even nearer all the american public. but soon we will. we've been working with vaccine manufacturers, pfizer, maternal, johnson &johnson, to maternal, johnson & johnson, to manufacture maternal, johnson &johnson, to manufacture and purchase hundreds of millions of doses of these three safe, effective vaccines. and now, at the direction assistance of my administration, johnson & johnson is working together with the competitor to speed up and increase the capacity to manufacture newjohnson & johnson vaccine, which isjust one shot. in fact, just yesterday, announced and i've met with the ceos of both companies, i announced our plan to buy an additional 100 million doses ofjohnson & johnson vaccines. these too companies — make these two companies, competitors have come together for the good of the nation and they should be applauded for it truly a national effort. just like we saw during world war ii. now, because all the work we've done, we will have enough vaccine supply for all adults in america by the end of may. that is months ahead of schedule. and we are mobilising thousands of vaccinate as to put the vaccine and ones are calling active—duty military, retired doctors and nurses, administrators. and we've been creating more places to get the shots. we've made it possible for you to get a vaccine at nearly, any one of 10,000 pharmacies across the country, just like you would get your flu shot. we are also working with governors and mayors and red states and blue states to set up and support nearly 600 federally supported vaccination centres that administers hundreds of thousands of shots per day. you can drive up to a stadium or a large parking lot, get your shot and never leave your car and drive home in less than an hour. we've been sending vaccines to hundreds of community health centres all across america, located in underserved areas. and we have been deploying and we will deploy more mobile vehicles and p°p�*up deploy more mobile vehicles and pop—up clinics to meet you where you live so that those who are least able to get the vaccine are able to get it. we continue to work on making at home testing available, and we are focused on serving people in the hardest—hit communities of this pandemic. black, latina, native american and rural communities. so what does all this at up to? when i took offers 50 days ago, only 8% of americans, after months, only 8% of those over the age of 65 had gotten their first vaccination. today, that number is 65%. just 14% of americans over the age of 75 50 days ago had gotten theirfirst stopping today that number is well over 70%. with new guidance from the centres for disease control and prevention, the cdc, that came out on monday, it means simply this. millions and millions of grandparents who went months without being able to hug their grandkids can now do so. and the more people who are fully vaccinated, the cdc will continue to provide additional guidance on what you can do and the workplace, places of worship, with your friends, the workplace, places of worship, with yourfriends, as well as travel. when i came into office, you may recall a set a goal that many of you said was kind of way over the top. i said said was kind of way over the top. isaid i intended to said was kind of way over the top. i said i intended to get 100 million shots in people's arms and my first 100 days in office. tonight, i can say we are not only going to meet that goal, we are going to beat that goal, we are going to beat that goal, because we've actually on track to reach this goal of 100 million shots and arms on my 60th day and office. no other country in the world has done this. none. and i want to talk about the next steps we are thinking about. first, tonight, i'm announcing that i will direct all states, tribes and territories to make all adults are people 18 and over, eligible to be vaccinated no later than may one. let me say that again. all adult americans will be eligible to get a vaccine no later than may one. that is much earlier than expected. let me be clear, that doesn't mean everyone is going to have that shot immediately, but it means you will be able to get in line beginning may one. every adult will be eligible to get there shot. and to do this, we are going to go from 1 million shots a day that i'd promised in december, before i was sworn in, to maintaining beating our current pace of 2 million shots a day. outpacing the rest of the world. secondly, at the time that every adult is eligible in may, we will launch with our partners new tools to make it easier you to find the vaccine and where to get the shot. including a new website that will help you first find the place to get vaccinated and the one nearest to you. no more searching day and night for an appointment. foryou searching day and night for an appointment. for you and your loved ones. thirdly, with the passage of the american rescue plan, and i thank again the house and senate for passing it, and my announcement last month and the plan to vaccinate teachers and school staff, including bus drivers, we can accelerate massive nationwide efforts to reopen our schools safely. and meet my goal that i stated at the same time about 100 million shop of opening a majority of k—8 schools in my first 100 days and offers —— shots. this is my number one priority of my new secretary of education, mekelle cardona. fourth, in the coming weeks, we will issue further guidance on what you can and cannot do once fully vaccinated to lessen the confusion, to keep people safe and to encourage more people to get vaccinated —— miguel cardon. and finally, fifth, and maybe most importantly, i promise i will do everything i can 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. and that's not hyperbole, i need you. i need you to get vaccinated when it is your turn and when you can find an opportunity. and to help your family, yourfriends, your family, your friends, your neighbours family, yourfriends, your neighbours get vaccinated as well. because here's the point— if we do all this, if we do our part, if we do this together, byjuly four there is a good chance you, your families and friends will be able to get together in your backyard or in your neighbourhood and have a cook and a barbecue and celebrate independence day. a mean large events with lots of people together again but it does mean small groups will be able to get together after this long, hard year, that will make this independence day something truly special. where we not only mark our independence as a nation but we begin to mark our independence from this virus. but to get there, we cannot let our guard down. this fight is farfrom over. as i told a woman in pennsylvania, i will tell you the truth. onjuly the fourth, with your loved ones, is the goal. but a goal, a lot can happen. conditions can change. the scientists have made clear that things may get worse again. there's a new variants of this virus that may spread. we've got work to do to ensure that everyone has confidence in the safety and effectiveness of all three vaccines. so my message to you is this. listen to dr phelps you. of the most distinguished and trusted voices in the world —— fauci. he has assured us the vaccines are safe. they underwent rigorous scientific review. i know they are safe. vice president harris and i know they are safe. that's why we got the vaccine publicly, in front of cameras. so for the world to see, you see us do it. the first lady and the second gentleman also got vaccinated. talk to yourfamily, gentleman also got vaccinated. talk to your family, friends, neighbours, the people you know best to have gotten the vaccine. we need everyone to get vaccinated. we need everyone to keep washing their hands. stay socially distanced. and keep wearing the mask is recommended by the cdc. because evenif recommended by the cdc. because even if we devote every resource we have, beating this virus and getting back to normal depends on national unity. international unity is not just unity. international unity is notjust how politics and politicians vote in washington. what the loudest voices say on cable or online. unity is what we do together as fellow americans. because if we don't stay vigilant, and the conditions change, then we may have to reinstate restrictions to get back on track. and please, we don't want to have to do that again. we've made so much progress. this is not the time to let up. just as we were emerging from a dark winter into a hopeful spring and summer is not the time to not stick with the rules. i will close with this. we've lost so much over the last year. we've lost family and friends. we've lost family and friends. we've lost businesses and dreams we spent years building. we've lost time, time with each other. and our children have lost so much time with their friends, time with their schools, no graduation ceremonies this spring. no graduation from college, high school, moving on ceremonies. you know, there is something else we lost. lost faith in whether our government and our democracy can deliver on really hard things for the american people. but as i stand here tonight, repeating something i have said time and time again and you're probably tired of hearing me say it, i say it to foreign leaders and domestic alike, it is never, ever a good bet to bet against the american people. america is coming back. the development, manufacturing, distribution of vaccines in record time is a true miracle of science. it's one of the most extraordinary achievement any company for any country has ever accomplished. we also just saw the perseverance over land on mars. stunning images of our dreams that are now reality. another example of the extraordinary american ingenuity, commitmentand ingenuity, commitment and belief ingenuity, commitmentand belief in science, and one another. and today, i signed into law the american rescue plan, a historic piece of legislation that delivers immediate relief to millions of people, includes $1400 in direct rescue payments. that means a typical family of four earning about $110,000 will get payments of $5,600 deposited if they have direct deposit or in a treasury check. the it extends unemployment benefit that helps small businesses and lowers healthcare premiums for many —— cheque. it provides food and nutrition and keeps families in their homes. and it will cut child poverty in this country in half, according to the experts. and it funds all of the steps i have just described, to beat the virus and create millions ofjobs. in the coming weeks and months, i will be travelling along with the first lady, the vice president, the second gentleman and members of my cabinet to speak directly to you, to tell you the truth about how the american rescue plan meets the moment and if it fails, i will acknowledge it has failed. but it will not. about how after long, dark years one whole year, there is hope and light and better days ahead. if we all do our part. this country will be vaccinated soon. our economy will be on the mend. our kids will be back in school. and we will have proven once again that this country can do anything, hard things, big things, important things. over a year ago, no—one could have imagined what we were about to go through. but now, we are coming through it. it's a shared experience that binds us together as a nation. we are bound together by the loss and the pain of the days that have gone by. we are also bound together by the hope and the possibilities of the days in front of us. my fervent prayer for our country is that after all that we have been through, we will come together as one people, one nation, one in america. —— one america. i believe we can and we will. we are seizing this moment in history, i believe, will record we faced and overcame one of the toughest and darkest periods of in —— periods in a nation public history, the darkest we have known, and i promise you we will come out stronger, with a renewed faith in ourselves, a renewed commitment to one another, to our communities and to our country. this is the united states of america. and there's nothing, nothing, from the bottom of my heart i believe this is nothing we can't do. when we do it together. so god bless you all. and please, god, give solace to all those people who lost someone. and may god protect our troops. thank you for taking the time to listen. i look forward to seeing you. do you consider this a new phase _ do you consider this a new phase in _ do you consider this a new phase in the pandemic? that was president biden, _ phase in the pandemic? that was president biden, ending - phase in the pandemic? that was president biden, ending his - president biden, ending his first prime time address as president on the 50th day of his administration, talking about the way forward out of the pandemic. he said that we have all lost something, this virus has kept us apart, gave certain figures, all adults will be eligible to be vaccinated no later than the first of may, he said the aim is to get 2 million doses a day, an increase from the original plan of1 million doses, and he gave more details about the acceleration of the opening of schools and he set a possible target for americans, july the fourth, where small gatherings might be allowed for independence day. he said it would notjust be independence day but independence from the virus and ended it saying america is coming back. my colleague laura trevelyan is in washington. what did you make of it? i was very struck _ what did you make of it? i was very struck by _ what did you make of it? i was very struck by that _ what did you make of it? i was very struck by that phrase - what did you make of it? i was very struck by that phrase that| very struck by that phrase that you picked up on too, july four with your loved ones is the goal. so after a long and difficult year there is president biden trying to offer hope, trying to say that there is light at the end of the tunnel, but he also urged americans to wear a mask and this of course, as some of the biggest states in america like texas has just lifted the mask mandate, underscoring how difficult it may be to come out of this pandemic, but interestingly as well, by saying that every american aduu saying that every american adult must be eligible for the vaccine by may the first, he is really trying to speed things up really trying to speed things up because at the moment across the united states, every different state has its own list of eligibility criteria for who is eligible when and it is incredibly confusing and sometimes you are getting vaccines going to waste because people who are eligible are not getting them so he is really trying to shake that up also and his palmist in the speech that this would be where we have been, where we are and we will be as a country and president biden there is trying to strike the hopeful note and promise americans they can celebrate independence day if they keep up the hard work and get vaccinated. we they keep up the hard work and get vaccinated.— they keep up the hard work and get vaccinated. we do remember, laura, the — get vaccinated. we do remember, laura, the promise _ get vaccinated. we do remember, laura, the promise on _ laura, the promise on inauguration day of 100 million jabs in the first 100 days and he says he will now reach this target on the 60th day of office, so that's dramatically soon. why is that? it’s office, so that's dramatically soon. why is that? it's because now we have — soon. why is that? it's because now we have three _ soon. why is that? it's because now we have three vaccines - soon. why is that? it's because now we have three vaccines in l now we have three vaccines in the united states that have been approved and thejohnson & johnson vaccine, which is a single shot, now they have made a deal with another big drug company merck to have the vaccine manufactured at scale. part of this of course is president biden inheriting operation warp speed from former president trump and that was significant investment in distribution and manufacturing of vaccines, even before they received emergency use authorisation, so when president trump tries to claim credit for this, he is not entirely wrong but president biden has managed expectations carefully. it was always the case he was going to likely exceed his goal and, indeed, case he was going to likely exceed his goaland, indeed, he will but the question now is how long will it take for all americans who are eligible to get vaccinated — and you heard president biden pleading with people who are eligible to get vaccinated because there is still an issue of vaccine hesitancy, especially in communities of colour, who feel the government has a history of experimenting on them and if the hardest—hit communities will not get vaccinated, there is not a clear way out of the pandemic so that is why you heard president biden they're talking about all of the efforts that are being made to get mobile vaccination clinics to the very hardest—hit people. prime time addresses as you know have a huge history, a symbolic history in america from kennedy to eisenhower and talking about the cuban missile crisis and nixon resigning and reagan talking about the challenge are so where does this fit into the history of prime time addresses by presidents? —— challenger. president biden is trying to revive that tradition. president trump had a slightly different tradition, his speeches were more off—the—cuff, they weren't quite so steadily presidential. in fact almost exactly one year ago president trump made a speech in which he effectively promised that it wasn't gonna be a particularly big deal, the coronavirus, and of course many would say had not been for his handling of the coronavirus, president trump would easily have been re—elected because the economy was but instead everything went to pot. so this was interesting, president biden talking about literature, invoking hemingway, very folksy the way he speaks, he keeps saying you will remember me having said this before, as if this is a conversation with the american people, that