US President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that he is stepping down from the presidential race, stating his intent to “pass the torch to a new generation” in an effort to unite the country. Addressing the nation for the first time since his decision, the 81-year-old Biden emphasized the importance of younger voices in leadership and called upon voters to defend the country’s democracy.
“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation,” Biden said in his address. He underscored that his decision was made in defense of democracy, though he did not directly name Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, whom he has previously labeled a threat to democracy.
Biden expressed his deep reverence for the office of the presidency but stressed that his love for the country took precedence. “I revere this office, but I love my country more. It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your President. But in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, it’s more important than any title,” he stated.
He called for a unified effort to protect American democracy, highlighting the critical nature of the current political moment. “A cause of American democracy itself must unite to protect it…It’s become clear to me that I need to unite my party in this critical endeavor. I believe my record as President, my leadership in the world, and my vision for America’s future all merit a second term, but nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy,” Biden further explained.
Despite finding joy and strength in his role, Biden reiterated that the task of perfecting the union is about the citizens and their future. “It’s about we, the people…I believe America is at an inflection point,” he added.
On July 21, Biden announced his exit from the White House race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. This decision followed a challenging period in his electoral prospects, including a poor performance in a debate against Donald Trump, which raised questions about his fitness for the presidency.
Biden’s decision to withdraw was met with significant pressure from within the Democratic Party. Key figures, including former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, urged his exit, expressing concerns about his capacity to continue in office.
In his Oval Office address, Biden praised Kamala Harris, calling her “tough” and “capable” of facing Donald Trump in the upcoming November 5 election. “She’s experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people,” he said.
Biden emphasized the significance of new voices in leadership. “There is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, but there’s also a time and a place for new voices,” he explained. He framed this election year as a pivotal moment in history, where decisions made now will shape the future of America and the world for decades to come.
“Americans are going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division. We have to decide if we still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice, and democracy,” he asserted.
Invoking the legacies of past presidents like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln, Biden conveyed his deep love for the office. He also committed to completing his remaining six months in office with a focus on ending the war in Gaza, supporting Ukraine, and pushing for Supreme Court reform.