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Biden at U.N.: 'For the first time in 20 years' the U.S. is not at war

On Tuesday, President Biden addressed the United Nations General Assembly in a speech that addressed "the greatest challenges of our time," including COVID-19, climate change and armed conflict. "I stand here today, for the first time in 20 years, with the U.S. not at war," the president told delegates, "all the unmatched strength, energy and commitment, will and resources of our nation are now fully and squarely focused on what's ahead of us."

Video transcript

JOE BIDEN: I stand here today for the first time in 20 years, the United States not at war. We've turned the page. All the unmatched strength, energy, and commitment, will, and resources of our nation are now fully and squarely focused on what's ahead of us, not what was behind. I know this. As we look ahead, we will lead. We will lead on all the greatest challenges of our time, from COVID to climate, peace and security, human dignity and human rights, but we will not go it alone.

We'll lead together with our allies and partners and in cooperation with all those who believe, as we do, that this is within our power to meet these challenges, to build a future that lifts all of our people, that preserves this planet. But none of this is inevitable. It's a choice, and I can tell you where America stands.

We will choose to build a better future. We-- you and I-- we have the will and capacity to make it better. Ladies and gentlemen, we cannot afford to waste any more time. Let's get to work. Let's make our better future now. We can do this. It's within our power and capacity. Thank you, and God bless you all.

[APPLAUSE]