President Joe Biden told the American public on Wednesday night that “defending democracy is more important than any title” as he explained his surprising decision to drop out of the presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee .
“I draw strength and find joy in working for the American people,” Biden said from the Oval Office.
“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.'”
“I gave my heart and soul to our nation,” Biden said. “I hope you have some idea how grateful I am to all of you.”
Biden’s speech comes three days after the 81-year-old president dropped out of the race against former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, and threw his full support behind Harris.
U.S. President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, regarding his decision to withdraw his Democratic re-election bid for the presidency.
Evan Vucci | Via Reuters
“I’ve decided that the best way to move forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” Biden said.
“This is the best way to unite our nation.”
Biden, without mentioning Trump by name, hinted at the threat he believes the Republican represents to the United States if elected in November and the danger Biden would run if he remained in the race.
“I ran for president four years ago because I believed and still believe that the soul of America was at stake,” said Biden, who defeated Trump in 2020. “The very nature of who we are was at stake. And that’s still the case.”
U.S. President Joe Biden stands next to First Lady Jill Biden as he thanks a camera crew after addressing the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to abandon his candidacy for the re-election of the Democrats.
Evan Vucci | Via Reuters
But the president said it had become clear to him in recent weeks that “I must unite my party in this critical undertaking.”
Biden said his record “deserved a second term.”
“But nothing, nothing can stand in the way of saving our democracy,” the president said. “That involves personal ambition.”
Biden, who plans to serve out the remainder of his first term, which ends in January, returned to Washington on Tuesday after spending several days in isolation at his Delaware beach home recovering from Covid-19.
Biden’s decision to drop out of the race on Sunday during this Covid quarantine came after a weeks-long pressure campaign from Democratic lawmakers, donors and strategists who called on him to step down after his lackluster performance in the June debate against Trump.
The spat in the debate escalated lingering concerns about Biden’s age and ability to run a successful campaign against Trump, let alone complete a second presidential term.
As of Sunday, the Biden-turned-Harris campaign has been in a honeymoon phase.
U.S. President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, regarding his decision to drop out of his Democratic re-election bid for the presidency.
Evan Vucci | Via Reuters
Harris has secured the endorsements of hundreds of Democratic lawmakers and administration officials, including those previously considered likely candidates to replace Biden at the top of the ticket.
Those names have now been ruled out as potential challengers to Harris and are instead on the shortlist to become her running mate.
Harris has also raised record levels of donations online and from high-dollar donors. Her first several campaign rallies had more attendees than any the campaign has seen this election cycle. And he’s starting to catch up to Trump in the polls, according to early polls.
Biden in his speech on Wednesday gave his vice president another full endorsement
“I made my choice. I made my views known. I would like to thank our great Vice President Kamala Harris,” he said. “She has experience. She’s tough, 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 the election.
“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators don’t rule,” the president said.
“People do. History is in your hands. Power is in your hands. The idea of America is in your hands.”
There were about 40 people watching Biden in the Oval Office as he delivered his speech, including members of his family.
When he finished speaking, the audience applauded for about a minute.
First Lady Jill Biden posted a handwritten message immediately after the speech.
“To those who never wavered, to those who refused to doubt, to those who always believed, my heart is full of gratitude,” Jill Biden wrote. “Thank you for trusting Joe — now it’s time to trust this Kamala.”
