U.S. President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, discussing his decision to abandon his Democratic presidential re-election bid.
Evan Vucci | Reuters
President Joe Biden told the American public on Wednesday night that “defending democracy is more important than any title” as he explained his stunning decision to withdraw from 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 in the Oval Office.
“But the sacred mission of perfecting our alliance is not about me. It is about you. Your families. Your future. This is about ‘We the People.'”
Biden’s speech came three days after the 81-year-old president withdrew from the race against former President Trump, the Republican nominee, and threw his full support behind Harris.
“I decided the best way forward was to pass the torch to a new generation,” Biden said.
“This is the best way to unite our country.”
The president, who is scheduled to finish out the remainder of his first term in January, returned to Washington on Tuesday to recover from Covid-19 after quarantining at his Delaware beach house for several days.
Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race on Sunday amid the coronavirus quarantine follows a weeks-long pressure campaign from Democratic lawmakers, donors and strategists calling on him to step down after a poor performance in a June debate with Trump.
The debate’s failure heightened concerns about Biden’s age and health and his ability to successfully run against Trump, let alone complete a second presidential term.
The Biden-to-Harris campaign has been in a honeymoon phase since Sunday.
Harris has garnered the support of hundreds of Democratic lawmakers and administration officials, including those previously seen as potential contenders to replace Biden.
Those names have now been ruled out as potential challengers to Harris and are instead on the list to be her running mate.
Harris also received record levels of donations from online and high-dollar donors. Her first few campaign rallies drew more people than any other this election cycle. She’s starting to catch up with Trump in the polls, according to preliminary voter surveys.
Biden reminded Americans of their power in elections.
“The great thing about America is that kings and dictators don’t rule,” the president planned to say.
“The people do it. History is in your hands. Power is in your hands. The idea of America — is in your hands.”
This is developing news. Please check back for updates.
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