NANTUCKET, Mass. — President Joe Biden urged a divisive U.S. to “end the hostility” during the long-held family tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving on this island near Cape Cod.
Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, spoke to NBC News’ Al Roker before the Thanksgiving Day parade in Manhattan. In brief remarks, they called for Americans to come together to address the nation’s challenges, despite party differences. Biden emphasized that Americans should appreciate their nation’s greatness and unite in tackling its issues.
“We must come together this Thanksgiving,” said President Biden. “We can hold different political views, but we all share the same belief that we are the greatest nation. That is what we should focus on.”
“We should focus on solving our problems, ending division. We must unite the nation, treat each other with respect, and I believe that’s where the majority of the American people stand,” he added.
The Bidens arrived for the Thanksgiving holiday at the waterfront home of billionaire David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm. On Thanksgiving morning, the president and first lady made calls to military units from each branch, according to the White House.
Later, they visited the Nantucket Fire Department, bringing gifts. Wearing a baseball cap and a navy coat, the president and the first lady greeted firefighters and handed over two pie boxes with purple ribbons.
Biden has also been closely following the Israel-Hamas deal to release hostages held in Gaza. Reporters questioned him about the deal as he left the fire department, and he commented that he couldn’t provide updates until its completion.
“I’m keeping my fingers crossed,” he said when asked if a three-year-old American girl would be among the hostages released.
Prior to the parade’s commencement, Biden refrained from discussing the hostage deal or making partisan remarks and instead expressed his optimism. However, his re-election campaign was more direct, releasing an email titled, “Your Handy Guide for Responding To Crazy MAGA Nonsense This Thanksgiving,” sharing responses for political discussions at the dinner table.
On the other hand, former President Trump’s Thanksgiving message had a somber tone, reflecting on the country’s challenges and absence of victories. The island of Nantucket holds significant memories for the Biden family, who first visited the island in 1975 while dating.
As president, the Bidens’ Thanksgiving visit to Nantucket attracted attention with the arrival of large C-17 planes at the island’s small airport and the presence of Secret Service agents. The first lady encouraged acts of kindness as they spoke to Roker, advocating for a call or gesture to spread holiday cheer.
Ultimately, President Biden and his family participated in the island’s annual “polar bear plunge” tradition, showing a glimpse of their Thanksgiving vacation.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
