---
title: To be a nation of optimism or a nation of fear?
description: "President Joe Biden asked America, \"To be a nation of hope and unity and optimism, or a nation of fear, division, and of darkness?\""
image: https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/joe%20Biden%20-%20To%20be%20a%20nation%20of%20hope%20and%20unity%20and%20%23optimism%2c%20or%20a%20nation%20of%20fear%2c%20division%2c%20and%20of%20darkness-1.png
---

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# To be a nation of optimism or a nation of fear?

<https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/candicebergen-0>

"To be a nation of hope and unity and optimism, or a nation of fear, division, and of darkness?"

A good question by President Joe Biden in his [Remarks on the Continued Battle for the Soul of the Nation](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2022/09/01/remarks-by-president-bidenon-the-continued-battle-for-the-soul-of-the-nation/).

President Biden said, *"And now America must choose: to move forward or to move backwards? To build the future or obsess about the past? To be a nation of hope and unity and #optimism, or a nation of fear, division, and of darkness?*

*"Even in this moment, with all the challenges we face, I give you my word as a Biden: I’ve never been more #optimistic about America’s future. Not because of me, but because of who you are...*

*"Democracy begins and will be preserved in we, the people’s, habits of heart, in our character: optimism that is tested yet endures, courage that digs deep when we need it, empathy that fuels democracy, the willingness to see each other not as enemies but as fellow Americans."*

[Responding to the speech](https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/9122-1), Speaker Nancy Pelosi said,  *“President Biden, in his inspiring and optimistic remarks tonight, made crystal clear that our rights, our freedom and our Democracy are on the line.  Every American who cares about the integrity of our Democracy, the fairness of our economy, the safety of our communities and the health of our planet is grateful to the President for his values-based vision and patriotic leadership."*

White House senior adviser Keisha Lance Bottoms said, *"What I see in this speech, I see words of encouragement, I see optimism, I see a commander-in-chief who is calling out to all of us, no matter our political affiliation."*

[Written by Victor Perton](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/author/victor-perton)

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