Joe and Jill Biden talk COVID-19 heroes, vaccines in odd, Jumbotron ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ interview – USA TODAY

Ryan Seacrest and Lucy Hale chat with USA TODAY's Ralphie Aversa about safety preparations for ringing in 2021 on "Dick Clark New Year's Rockin' Eve." USA TODAY

Joe and Jill Biden proved they can speak from anywhere with their final interview of 2020 on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest."

That now includesspeaking with their image broadcast from a giant Times Square Jumbotron, answering questions from a winter jacket-wearing Ryan Seacrest perched onthe opposite end of the surreally deserted square.

While Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper were throwing back tequila shots on CNN's Times Square broadcast, Seacrest gave the introduction, "This is a first, joining us right now are President-Elect Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden."

It wasn't clear which part Seacrestmeant by"first," but the future leader of the free world taking questions over anempty Times Squarewas certainly novel, and odd.

But it's (the end of)2020. So after awkward hellosand stumbling congratulations, the Bidens got cooking and made it work.

Ryan Seacrest: On 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' safety protocols, Biden interview

Ryan Seacrest interviews Joe and Jill Biden from across Times Square.(Photo: Jeff Neira, ABC)

Seacrest had previously told USA TODAY thatthe interview would allow Joe Biden to honorthe nation's healthcare and frontline workers during the deadly pandemic. The few people allowed to gather atthe iconic New York destinationwere a collection of first responders, medical workers and their families.

Biden followed through with stirring words like "bravery resides in every heart and someday it will be summoned."

"The people we are honoring tonight were summoned and they stepped up and they were brave. They have done so much. They risked their lives. We owe them," said Biden. "They brought the country together. Its a big deal."

Jill Biden, not a fan of needles, discussed receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

"You have to take it. And it doesnt hurt. I promise," she said.

President-elect Joe Biden and wife Jill Biden gave their last interview of 2020.(Photo: Jeff Neira, ABC)

"She hates needles, so thats saying something," interrupted her husband.

"It doesnt hurt and I didn'thave any after affects," Jill Biden added. "Everybody has to take it, so that we all can be safe."

Joe Biden then knocked out a softball question about the future of a country facing an out-of-control pandemic among other crises. He trotted the bases in the interviewthat aired minutesbefore the ball dropped on Times Square to welcome 2021.

"Im more optimistic about Americas chances than Ive ever been. And Ive been around this for a while," Bidensaid. "Theres never been a single thing that America has been unable able to overcome, no matter how drastic its been, when we have all worked together. And I'm absolutely positive were going to come back even stronger than we were before."

Jill Biden ended the interview attempting to set off aparty popper. Naturally, it made no noise, prompting laughter from the amused couple.

"Theynever work right," said Seacrest. "Here's to better luck in the new year."

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Joe and Jill Biden talk COVID-19 heroes, vaccines in odd, Jumbotron 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' interview - USA TODAY