PRESIDENT Joe Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office for the first time announcing his decision to drop out of the race for the White House.
Biden, 81, explained his rationale for dropping out after weeks of believing that he was the only candidate to beat former President Donald Trump.
“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 futures. It’s about ‘We the People.’”
He spoke for barely 15 minutes, his voice still hoarse after testing positive for Covid-19 last week.
Biden listed his goals for the rest of his presidency including lowering prices, growing the economy, and defending the rights of Americans.
“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” he said.
“That is the best way to unite our nation.”
He added that he will continue to speak out against gun violence and work on his Cancer Moonshot initiative while calling for reforms to the Supreme Court.
“I’ll keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights from the right to vote to the right to choose,” said Biden.
“I’ll keep calling out hate and extremism and make it clear there is no place, no place it’s in America for political violence or any violence.”
He reflected on his presidency and spoke briefly on his bid for a second term but decided that it was in the best interest of the country to end his campaign.
“I revere this office but I love my country more,” he said.
“It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president but the defense of democracy, which has a stake, I think is more important than a title.”
Nearly 40 people were in the Oval Office as Biden delivered his address, including First Lady Jill Biden, their children, Hunter and Ashley, and their grandchildren.
Two advisers who spoke with Biden as he decided to leave the 2024 race were also present.
Biden also offered praise to Vice President Kamala Harris, who he endorsed shortly after dropping out of the race.
Harris secured enough delegate endorsements to become the presumptive presidential nominee for the Democratic party on July 22, just a day after Biden withdrew his bid.
“In just a few months, the American people choose the course of America’s future,” Biden said in his address.
“I made my choice. I’ve made my views known. I want to thank our great Vice President Kamala Harris. She’s experienced. She’s tough. She’s capable.
“She’s been an incredible partner to me and leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people: You make that choice.”
After the speech, Trump shared his reaction on his social media platform Truth Social.
In a series of tweets, Trump slammed his political rivals.
“Crooked Joe Biden‘s Oval Office speech was barely understandable and sooo bad!” he wrote.
He called Biden and Harris a “great embarrassment to the US.
“There has never been a time like this!”
Throughout Biden’s speech, he failed to mention the former President, however, he made several references to Trump.
“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule,” said Biden.
“The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America – lies in your hands.”
The remark was a reference to the Supreme Court decision, ruling that the former President has impunity only for “official acts” as commander in chief earlier this month.
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