Biden's inaugural speech was grounded in the ethics of virtue and the common good John P. Pelissero FacebookTwitterEmail President Biden delivers his inaugural address.Jonathan Ernst / Associated Press Joseph R. Biden delivered his inaugural address as the 46th president of the United States with a theme of unity. He called upon Americans to put aside an “uncivil war” and to find common ground for the public good. His speech was imbued with references to ethical principles, such as justice, fairness, truth and the common good. The words of this new leader are a welcome change after four years of trampling on the ethical foundations of our democracy.