For the first time since declaring he would not seek reelection, President Biden spoke to the country on camera from the Oval Office. He stated that preserving democracy is more important than holding office and that it was time to "pass the torch" to the next generation of leaders.
Years back, Mr. Biden identified Vice President Kamala Harris as one of the younger leaders he believed will shape the Democratic Party's future, and he referred to himself as a transitional candidate. He stated that it is now time to give way to those fresher, younger voices, such as Harris's, whom he has backed for the nomination.
Mr. Biden has alluded to Republican contender and former President Donald Trump as a threat to democracy, even if he did not specifically mention Trump.
"I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America's future, all merited a second term," the president stated. However, nothing and nothing can prevent us from preserving our democracy. That encompasses aspirations for oneself. I've thus determined that passing the torch to a new generation is the wisest course of action. Our country can best be united in that way. You know, extensive years of experience in the public eye have their place and time. However, there's also a place and a time for new voices—you know, younger voices. That location and time is right now."
Mr. Biden made hints that he was unsure if he could beat Trump when he made the decision to withdraw.
The president declared, "I love my country more than I revere this office." "I have had the greatest honor of my life to be your president. However, I believe that the protection of democracy, which is in jeopardy, is more crucial than any title."
Before embarking on his 51-year political career, Mr. Biden paused to consider where his life had started.
"Nowhere else on earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton and Claymont one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as president of the United States," he stated. "Yet here I am. That's what makes America unique."
The president thanked the citizens of the United States and lauded the nation for its boundless potential.
He remarked, "I have had the honor of serving this country for more than 50 years. Like so many others, I have given my heart and soul to so many nations." In exchange, I'm a million times grateful for the love and support I receive from the American people. I hope you can all see how appreciative I am for all of you."
Mr. Biden stated that he intends to concentrate on the duties of the presidency during the final six months of his tenure. He intends to keep working to combat cancer, preserve individual liberties, save expenses for families, and safeguard voting rights. He said that he also intended to keep advocating for Supreme Court change and speaking out against gun violence.
The president pledged to strengthen NATO, help Ukraine in its struggle for independence, and try to put an end to the conflict in Gaza while he was there.
And Mr. Biden reminded Americans that they will decide the fate of this country: "The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule." Mr. Biden campaigned on the platform that democracy itself was at issue in 2020 and is again in 2024 with Donald Trump as the Republican nominee. People actually do. You hold the power to change history. The initiative is in your grasp. You own the power to shape the concept of America."
The president also enumerated what he considered to be his greatest accomplishments, which included closing the wealth gap between races, approving bipartisan infrastructure funding, defeating big Pharma, cutting prescription drug costs, providing compensation to veterans exposed to hazardous materials, and appointing the first African American woman to the Supreme Court.
Afterwards, to thunderous applause, Mr. Biden exited from the Oval Office to greet the hundreds of White House employees who had stayed to witness his speech.
Following a Charlotte event, the GOP candidate watched the president's speech from his jet, according to a Trump campaign insider; Doug Mills, a photographer for the New York Times, took a picture.
Following Mr. Biden's endorsement of Harris for the nomination shortly after he announced he would be ending his candidacy, Democrats have lined up behind her. Although Mr. Biden is unable to select a replacement for the Democratic nominee, Harris has gained the support of most Democratic delegates since making his statement on Sunday.
Since making his choice, the president has not said much while recuperating from his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, residence from COVID-19 symptoms. On Tuesday, the White House announced that the test results were negative. Following his return from Delaware, Mr. Biden informed reporters that he was feeling "well."
Even for Mr. Biden, Oval Office remarks are uncommon for presidents. In his three and a half years as president, Mr. Biden had only given two Oval Office remarks before to last week. He gave his third speech from the Oval Office last Thursday, one week after former President Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt.
Even if Mr. Biden intends to run for president, leaving the Democratic ticket allows him to concentrate on the actual job of becoming president rather than the physically demanding campaign route.
The president said on Monday, "I'm not going anywhere," to his campaign crew, who are now Harris's campaign staff. "Kamala and I will be going on the campaign together. As the president in office, I will be working really hard to enact laws in addition to running for office."
This speech from the Oval Office, along with whatever the president gives at the DNC next month, is going to be among the most crucial of Mr. Biden's legacy as he closes up his more than five decades in public service, as well as of his presidency.
From the Oval Office, the president declared, "The American people will choose the course of America's future in just a few months." "I decided what to do. I've spoken my opinions. I want to congratulate Kamala Harris, our wonderful vice president. She is capable, tough, and experienced. She has been a fantastic leader for our nation and a wonderful partner. You, the people of America, now have the decision."
Ola Hansen 
For the first time since declaring he would not seek reelection, President Biden spoke to the country on camera from the Oval Office. He stated that preserving democracy is more important than holding office and that it was time to "pass the torch" to the next generation of leaders.
Years back, Mr. Biden identified Vice President Kamala Harris as one of the younger leaders he believed will shape the Democratic Party's future, and he referred to himself as a transitional candidate. He stated that it is now time to give way to those fresher, younger voices, such as Harris's, whom he has backed for the nomination.
Mr. Biden has alluded to Republican contender and former President Donald Trump as a threat to democracy, even if he did not specifically mention Trump.
"I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America's future, all merited a second term," the president stated. However, nothing and nothing can prevent us from preserving our democracy. That encompasses aspirations for oneself. I've thus determined that passing the torch to a new generation is the wisest course of action. Our country can best be united in that way. You know, extensive years of experience in the public eye have their place and time. However, there's also a place and a time for new voices—you know, younger voices. That location and time is right now."
Mr. Biden made hints that he was unsure if he could beat Trump when he made the decision to withdraw.
The president declared, "I love my country more than I revere this office." "I have had the greatest honor of my life to be your president. However, I believe that the protection of democracy, which is in jeopardy, is more crucial than any title."
Before embarking on his 51-year political career, Mr. Biden paused to consider where his life had started.
"Nowhere else on earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton and Claymont one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as president of the United States," he stated. "Yet here I am. That's what makes America unique."
The president thanked the citizens of the United States and lauded the nation for its boundless potential.
He remarked, "I have had the honor of serving this country for more than 50 years. Like so many others, I have given my heart and soul to so many nations." In exchange, I'm a million times grateful for the love and support I receive from the American people. I hope you can all see how appreciative I am for all of you."
Mr. Biden stated that he intends to concentrate on the duties of the presidency during the final six months of his tenure. He intends to keep working to combat cancer, preserve individual liberties, save expenses for families, and safeguard voting rights. He said that he also intended to keep advocating for Supreme Court change and speaking out against gun violence.
The president pledged to strengthen NATO, help Ukraine in its struggle for independence, and try to put an end to the conflict in Gaza while he was there.
And Mr. Biden reminded Americans that they will decide the fate of this country: "The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule." Mr. Biden campaigned on the platform that democracy itself was at issue in 2020 and is again in 2024 with Donald Trump as the Republican nominee. People actually do. You hold the power to change history. The initiative is in your grasp. You own the power to shape the concept of America."
The president also enumerated what he considered to be his greatest accomplishments, which included closing the wealth gap between races, approving bipartisan infrastructure funding, defeating big Pharma, cutting prescription drug costs, providing compensation to veterans exposed to hazardous materials, and appointing the first African American woman to the Supreme Court.
Afterwards, to thunderous applause, Mr. Biden exited from the Oval Office to greet the hundreds of White House employees who had stayed to witness his speech.
Following a Charlotte event, the GOP candidate watched the president's speech from his jet, according to a Trump campaign insider; Doug Mills, a photographer for the New York Times, took a picture.
Following Mr. Biden's endorsement of Harris for the nomination shortly after he announced he would be ending his candidacy, Democrats have lined up behind her. Although Mr. Biden is unable to select a replacement for the Democratic nominee, Harris has gained the support of most Democratic delegates since making his statement on Sunday.
Since making his choice, the president has not said much while recuperating from his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, residence from COVID-19 symptoms. On Tuesday, the White House announced that the test results were negative. Following his return from Delaware, Mr. Biden informed reporters that he was feeling "well."
Even for Mr. Biden, Oval Office remarks are uncommon for presidents. In his three and a half years as president, Mr. Biden had only given two Oval Office remarks before to last week. He gave his third speech from the Oval Office last Thursday, one week after former President Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt.
Even if Mr. Biden intends to run for president, leaving the Democratic ticket allows him to concentrate on the actual job of becoming president rather than the physically demanding campaign route.
The president said on Monday, "I'm not going anywhere," to his campaign crew, who are now Harris's campaign staff. "Kamala and I will be going on the campaign together. As the president in office, I will be working really hard to enact laws in addition to running for office."
This speech from the Oval Office, along with whatever the president gives at the DNC next month, is going to be among the most crucial of Mr. Biden's legacy as he closes up his more than five decades in public service, as well as of his presidency.
From the Oval Office, the president declared, "The American people will choose the course of America's future in just a few months." "I decided what to do. I've spoken my opinions. I want to congratulate Kamala Harris, our wonderful vice president. She is capable, tough, and experienced. She has been a fantastic leader for our nation and a wonderful partner. You, the people of America, now have the decision."