Tag: US election

In a rare address from the Oval Office, President Joe Biden spoke somberly and emotionally about his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, emphasizing his intention to pass the leadership mantle to the next generation. He described this decision as a step toward unifying the nation he has served for decades.

“I revere this office, but I love my country more,” Biden stated. “It’s been the honor of my life to serve as president, but in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it’s more important than any title.”

This prime-time speech was Biden’s first direct communication with the American public since his unexpected announcement three days earlier that he was stepping down from the campaign and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him.

“I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, and my vision for America’s future all merited a second term,” Biden said. “But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition, so I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.”

Biden praised Harris as “experienced, tough, and capable” and called her an “incredible partner” during their three-and-a-half years together.

“I’ve made my choice. I’ve made my views known … Now, the choice is up to you, the American people,” he said.

Throughout his address, Biden underscored the election’s stakes, characterizing it as an “inflection point” crucial to preserving the nation’s founding principles.

“I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and still do, that the soul of America was at stake, the very nature of who we are was at stake,” he said. “And that’s still the case.”

Over the weekend, Biden succumbed to mounting pressure from Democrats to reconsider his candidacy after a poor debate performance rekindled concerns about his age and his ability to successfully challenge Donald Trump for another term.

Initially, Biden resisted calls to step aside, insisting he was the best candidate to face Trump. However, on Wednesday, he acknowledged the necessity of a new path.

“There’s a time and a place for long years of experience in public life,” he said. “There’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, and yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now.”

Biden took the opportunity to highlight his accomplishments, citing the economic recovery post-pandemic, efforts to reduce healthcare costs, the passage of a significant infrastructure law, and his international leadership, including support for Ukraine and strengthening NATO.

Looking ahead, Biden expressed his desire to address issues such as gun violence, climate change, continued economic improvement, and reforming the U.S. Supreme Court during his remaining months in office.

The president did not address Republican criticisms regarding his fitness to serve. The White House stated earlier that Biden’s health had “nothing” to do with his decision and dismissed GOP calls for his immediate resignation as “ridiculous.”

Hundreds of White House staffers gathered to hear Biden’s speech, and cheers were heard from the building following his historic address. Biden’s family, including his children Hunter and Ashley, First Lady Jill Biden, and several grandchildren, were present in the Oval Office.

Toward the end of his remarks, Biden expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation and reach the presidency, a position he had long aspired to.

Biden, now 81, began his career as one of the youngest senators in U.S. history, representing Delaware for 36 years. He served as Vice President under President Barack Obama for eight years before winning the presidency in 2020 after unsuccessful bids in 1988 and 2008.

“My fellow Americans, it has been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years,” Biden said. “Nowhere else on Earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the Resolute desk in the Oval Office as President of the United States, but here I am.”

“I’ve given my heart and my soul to our nation, like so many others, but I’m blessed a million times in return for the love and support of the American people,” he said. “I hope you have some idea how grateful I am to all of you.”