President Joe Biden, speaking to the nation from the Oval Office tonight, framed his decision to step aside from the 2024 presidential race as a question of saving democracy.
“I revere this position, but I love my country more. The defense of democracy is more important than any title,” Biden said. “I draw strength and find joy in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your future. It’s about ‘We the People.’”
Biden, who bowed to strong pressure within his own party to step aside as a candidate, called his choice in the interest of the nation and called on Americans to join him. to “preserve our democracy.”
Biden said Wednesday night that his record “deserves a second term.” But, he said, “nothing, nothing can stand in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition.”
Biden did not mention Donald Trumpbut he did try to establish a clear contrast with the former president, whose ambition led him to declare victory in an election that he did not win four years ago.
“The good thing about the United States is that there are no kings or dictators in power here,” Biden said. “People do it. History is in your hands, the idea of America is in your hands.”
During his speech, which lasted about 11 minutes, Biden worked to shape the first draft of his own legacy, announcing his achievements in his first term while enunciating the objectives he hopes to achieve in his remaining months in power, including Supreme Court reform, working to end the war in Gaza, defending American alliances, and working toward his goal of ending cancer.
Biden pledged to move forward with his agenda until a new president is sworn in on January 20.
“I have decided that the best way to move forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” Biden said in remarks delivered quietly and at times haltingly. “That is the best way to unite our nation.”
Biden abandoned his reelection campaign early Sunday afternoon, announcing the decision in a post on X, which he followed about a half-hour later with the endorsement of his vice president, Kamala Harris, for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Harris quickly consolidated support within her party and is expected to win a virtual vote of Democratic delegates, perhaps unopposed, as early as August 1 and no later than August 7.
Biden also defended his vice president, Kamala Harris, who now takes his place on the list of nominees for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in the 2024 elections, in his address to the nation.
Harris, Biden said, is “experienced. She is tough. She is capable. She has been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country.”
“Now the choice is up to you, the American people,” he added.
In just a few months, the American people will choose the course of America’s future. I made my choice.
And I would like to thank our great Vice President—@KamalaHarris.
She’s experienced, tough, capable.
She has been an incredible partner to me and leader for our country.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 25, 2024
On Wednesday, Biden took the opportunity to marvel at his own story.
“It has been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for more than 50 years. Nowhere else would a stuttering child 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.”
“Here I am,” he added. “That’s what’s so special about America.”
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