President Joe Biden On Wednesday night, he explained his shocking decision to the American public, saying “defending democracy is more important than any title.” Withdraw from the presidential election and endorse the Vice President Kamala Harris as Democratic candidate.
“I draw strength and find joy in working for the American people,” Biden said in the Oval Office.
“But the sacred mission of perfecting our alliance is not about me. It is about you. Your families. Your future. This is about ‘We the People.'”
“I gave my heart and soul to our country,” Biden said. “I want you to know how grateful I am to all of you.”
Biden’s speech came three days after the 81-year-old dropped out of the race against the former President Donald Trumpthe Republican candidate, and threw out his Full support for Harris.
U.S. President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, discussing his decision to abandon his Democratic presidential re-election bid.
Evan Vucci | Reuters
“I decided the best way forward was to pass the torch to a new generation,” Biden said.
“This is the best way to unite our country.”
Biden did not mention Trump by name, but he acknowledged that Republicans pose a threat to the United States if he is elected in November and acknowledged that Biden would risk his campaign if he remained in the race.
“I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and still believe, that the soul of America is a bet,” said Biden, who defeated Trump in 2020. “The very essence of who we are is a bet. It’s still a bet.” case.
U.S. President Joe Biden stands next to First Lady Jill Biden and thanks the camera crew after addressing the nation about his decision to abandon the Democratic presidential re-election bid in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Washington.
Evan Vucci | Reuters
But the president said he had made clear in recent weeks that “I need to unite my party to get this critical effort done.”
Biden said his record was “worthy of re-election.”
“But nothing can stand in the way of saving our democracy,” the president said. “That includes personal ambition.”
Biden, who plans to finish out the remainder of his first term in January, returned to Washington on Tuesday to recover from Covid-19 after quarantining at his Delaware beach house for several days.
Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race on Sunday amid the coronavirus quarantine follows a weeklong pressure campaign from Democratic lawmakers, donors and strategists calling on him to step down after a poor performance in a June debate with Trump.
The debate failure heightened concerns about Biden’s age and suitability to successfully run against Trump, let alone serve out a second presidential term.
The Biden-to-Harris campaign has been in a honeymoon phase since Sunday.
U.S. President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, discussing his decision to abandon his Democratic presidential re-election bid.
Evan Vucci | Reuters
Harris has garnered the support of hundreds of Democratic lawmakers and administration officials, including those previously seen as potential contenders to replace Biden.
Those names have now been ruled out as potential challengers to Harris and are instead on the list to be her running mate.
Harris also received record levels of donations from online and high-dollar donors. Her first few campaign rallies drew more people than any other this election cycle. She’s starting to catch up with Trump in the polls, according to preliminary voter surveys.
Biden once again threw his full support behind his vice president in Wednesday’s speech
“I made my choice. I made my point. I want to thank our great Vice President Kamala Harris,” he said. “She’s experienced. She’s strong, she’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner for me. And a leader for our country. Now, the choice is up to you, the American people.”
Biden then reminded Americans of their power in elections.
“The great thing about America is that kings and dictators don’t rule,” the president said.
“The people do it. History is in your hands. Power is in your hands. The idea of America — is in your hands.”
When Biden spoke in the Oval Office, about 40 people, including members of his family, were watching.
When he finished speaking, those present applauded for about a minute.
First lady Jill Biden posted a handwritten message on Twitter immediately after her speech.
“My heart is filled with gratitude for those who never wavered, for those who refused to doubt, for those who always believed,” Jill Biden wrote. “Thank you for your trust in Joe — now It’s time to give Kamala credit.”
