Addressing the nation in front of cameras for the first time since announcement He decided not to run for re-election, President Joe Biden Speaking in the Oval Office, saying saving democracy was more important than any title, he acknowledged it was time to “pass the torch” to a new generation of leaders.
Years ago, Biden called himself a transition candidate and listed Vice President Kamala Harris He sees a younger generation of leaders as the future of the Democratic Party. It’s time, he said, to make way for newer, younger voices like Harris’s. He has supported the nomination.
Although he did not mention the Republican candidate and former President President Donald Trump Biden called Trump a threat to democracy by name.
“I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future, all deserve re-election,” the president said. “But nothing, nothing, can stand in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition. . So, I decided the best way forward was to pass the torch to a new generation. That’s the best way to unite our country, you know, there’s a time and a place for long-term experience. The time and place calls for new voices, yes, young voices.
Biden hints he has arrived decision to drop out Part of the reason is doubts about his ability to defeat Trump.
“I respect this office, but I love my country even more,” the president said. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as your president. But when it comes to defending a fragile democracy, I believe that is more important than any title.”
Long before his 51-year political journey, Biden took some time to reflect and marvel at where his life began.
“There’s no other place on earth where a stuttering kid from humble beginnings in Scranton and Claremont could one day sit behind a resolute desk in the Oval Office and serve as president of the United States,” he said. “But I’m here. . That’s what’s special about America.”
The president expressed his gratitude to the American people and praised the United States as a country of possibility.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve this country for over 50 years,” he said. He added, “Like so many others, I have given my heart and soul to many. I have been blessed a million times. “In return for your love and support for the American people, I want you to know how grateful I am to all of you. “
Biden said he plans to focus on the job of the presidency during the remaining six months of his term. He plans to continue working to lower costs for families, defend personal freedoms, protect voting rights and fight cancer. He said he also plans to continue speaking out against gun violence and calling for Supreme Court reform.
Abroad, the president said he would continue to strengthen NATO, support Ukraine’s fight for freedom and work to end the war in Gaza.
Mr. Biden, whose philosophy is that democracy itself is under threat in 2020 and who is running alongside Trump again as the Republican nominee in 2024, reminded Americans that they are the ones who will determine America’s fate: “The greatness of America is Here, kings and dictators do not rule.
The president also listed what he considers his greatest accomplishments, including closing the racial wealth gap, passing bipartisan infrastructure funding, defeating Big Pharma, lowering prescription drug costs, compensating veterans exposed to toxic substances and making the first African-American president American women become African American women.
White House staff gathered throughout the White House to watch the president’s speech.
Biden endorsed Harris for the nomination shortly after he announced he was ending his campaign, and Democrats rushed to support Harris. Biden has been unable to name a successor to the Democratic nomination, but since his announcement on Sunday, Harris has received support Represents a majority of Democratic delegates.
The president has said little since the decision He has recovered from COVID-19 symptoms at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The White House said on Tuesday that he had tested negative and Biden told reporters after returning from Delaware that he felt “fine.”
It’s rare for a president to speak in the Oval Office, including Biden. Before last week, Biden had given only two Oval Office speeches in his three-and-a-half years as president. Last week, he spoke from the Oval Office for the third time following the assassination of former President Trump.
Although Biden plans to campaign, dropping off the Democratic ticket allows him to focus on the tasks of the presidency itself, away from the heavy campaigning.
“I’m not going anywhere,” the president told his campaign staff — and now Harris’s — on Monday. “I’m going to be on the campaign trail with her and Kamala. I’m going to work my ass off, both as a sitting president, pushing legislation through and on the campaign trail.”
This Oval Office speech, and any speech the president delivers at the Democratic National Convention next month, is not only the most critical speech to Biden’s presidency, but also to his legacy, now that he’s done. for over fifty years of public service.
“In just a few months, the American people will choose the path for America’s future,” the president said in the Oval Office. “I have made my choice. I have made my point. I want to thank our great Vice President Kamala Harris. She is experienced, strong and capable. She has been an incredible partner for me, And the leaders of our country. Now, the choice is up to you, the American people.
This story was originally published on cbs news Wednesday, July 24 at 9:03 pm ET.
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