President Biden, in an address from the Oval Office, said he decided to end his reelection bid when it became clear that was how he could unite Democrats after weeks of intra-party chaos and mounting pressure to step aside.
The president had firmly declared there was nothing short of a higher power that could get him to change his mind about running again. But he eventually caved, particularly after hearing from congressional leadership, who implored him to drop out or risk Democrats also losing both chambers of Congress in November.
“In recent weeks it has become clear to me that I need to unite my party in this critical endeavour,” he said.
“Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition. So, I decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. It’s the best way to unite our nation,” the president added.
“The cause of the nation is larger than any one of us,” he said.
He was joined in the Oval Office by first lady Jill Biden, his children, their spouses and children and some of his longtime political advisers along with White House staff.
Biden has thrown his support behind Vice President Harris who Democrats say has revitalised their energy and has potential to boost their chances at beating former President Trump. Harris watched Biden’s speech from Houston, Texas, according to reporters traveling with her.
In a letter posted to social media on Sunday, Biden announced he would drop his bid. It came after reports suggested that some of the highest-profile Democrats, including former President Obama and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi had tried to convince him his chances of winning against Trump were disappearing.
“There is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life,” Biden said in his address. “There’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices. Yes, younger voices. And that time is now.”
The calls for him to step aside followed a poor debate performance in late June, during which Biden, 81, struggled to finish his thoughts and spoke in a low, raspy voice. He spent three weeks insisting he was staying in the race and campaigning up until he dropped out.
The president in his address made a plea for preserving democracy, which was an ongoing theme of his administration, after he beat Trump in 2020.
“In this moment, we can see those we disagree with not as enemies but as… friends, fellow Americans. Can we do that? Does character in public life still matter?” he said.
He referred to words he has hanging in his office from Benjamin Franklin that describe that the founders gave America “a Republic, if you can keep it.”
“Whether we keep our Republic is now in your hands,” he said.
“History is in your hands, the powers’ in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands,” Biden added.
He made clear he would not be stepping down from the office of the presidency and will serve out his term for the next six months.
The president outlined his plans until he leaves office in January, which includes ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Supreme Court reform, and continuing to work for reproductive rights and his Cancer Moonshot initiative, among other priorities.
He also touted Harris, calling her “experienced,” “tough,” and “capable.” The president never mentioned Trump by name.
Additionally, he expressed gratitude for the 50 years he has served in government.
“No one else on Earth can 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,” Biden said. “I’ve given my heart and my soul to the nation, like so many others… I hope you have some idea how grateful I am, to all of you.”
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