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MADISON, Wis. -- As Joe Biden assumes office this week, he'll appeal to a nation facing multiple crises.
But a Wisconsin professor who studies presidential speeches believes Wednesday's inauguration could be a launching point for promoting a resilient democracy, not just the person taking over.
Biden has tried to focus on unity in light of a contentious election in which President Donald Trump issued discredited claims about voter fraud.
That led to his supporters storming the Capitol, along with polls indicating many Republicans still not acknowledging Biden's win.
Allison Prasch, assistant professor of communication studies at the University of Wisconsin, said Biden could establish some healing by sticking with unity and restoring faith in democracy, and not putting attention on himself.
"He is the spokesman for democracy, but he is not the definition of what our democracy is," Prasch clarified.
She remarked that it compares with Trump's rhetoric of one person being the focal point of government.
Beyond the inauguration, Prasch contended Biden's actions in this area could help cement some healing. She added he could also win over support by staying honest about the state of the pandemic, the economic struggles facing many Americans, and the need for accountability related to the riots.
Prasch noted past presidents, such as Thomas Jefferson and John F. Kennedy, emphasized a shared national identity when facing partisan divides, resulting in some success in healing. She added even though some voters won't accept Biden as the winner, a president's words still matter for all the electorate.
"The president sets a rhetorical example," Prasch described. "They set the tone for other political discourse."
She theorized a tone that's focused on unity could trickle down to lower levels of government, and suggested it could benefit states such as Wisconsin, which has divided leadership in state government, as well as areas that have strongly supported Trump and others that condemn his rhetoric.
