President Joe Biden told the American public 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 Party’s nominee.
“I draw strength and joy from working for the American people,” Biden said from the Oval Office.
“But this sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me. It is about you, your families, your future. It is about ‘We, the People.’”
“I have given my heart and soul to our nation,” Biden said. “I hope you have some idea of the gratitude I have for 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, about his decision to abandon his Democratic bid for re-election.
Evan Vucci | By Reuters
“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 nation.”
Biden, without mentioning Trump by name, nodded to the threat he believes the Republican poses to the United States if elected in November, and to the risk Biden would have faced had he remained in the race.
“I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I 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 it still is.”
U.S. President Joe Biden stands next to first lady Jill Biden as he thanks the 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 Democratic presidential re-election bid.
Evan Vucci | By Reuters
But the president said that in recent weeks it had been made clear to him that he must “unite his party in this crucial undertaking.”
Biden said his record “deserves a second term.”
“But nothing, nothing can stop us from saving our democracy,” the president said. “That includes personal ambition.”
Biden, who plans to complete his first term, which ends in January, returned to Washington on Tuesday after several days of isolation at his Delaware beach house, recovering from Covid-19.
Biden’s decision to drop out of the race Sunday amid the COVID-19 quarantine came after a weeks-long pressure campaign from Democratic lawmakers, donors and strategists calling on him to step down following his stumbling June debate performance against Trump.
The debate failure heightened lingering concerns about Biden’s age and ability to run a successful campaign against Trump, let alone complete a second presidential term.
Since 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, about his decision to abandon his Democratic bid for re-election.
Evan Vucci | By Reuters
Harris has won the support of hundreds of Democratic lawmakers and government officials, including those previously touted as potential candidates to replace Biden at the top of the ticket.
These names have now been ruled out as potential running mates for Harris and are now on the list of vice presidential candidates.
Harris has also raised record donations online and from major donors. Her early campaign rallies have drawn more attendees than any campaign rallies this election cycle. And she is starting to catch up to Trump in the polls, according to early opinion surveys.
Biden gave his full support to his vice president in his speech on Wednesday.
“I’ve made my choice. I’ve made my views known. I want to thank our great Vice President Kamala Harris,” he said. “She’s experienced. She’s tough, she’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me. And a leader to our country. Now the choice is yours, the American people.”
Biden then reminded Americans of their power in the election.
“The great thing about America is that it’s not ruled by kings or dictators,” the president said.
“The people do it. History is in your hands. Power is in your hands. The idea of America is in your hands.”
About 40 people watched Biden in the Oval Office as he delivered his speech, including members of his family.
When he finished speaking, those present applauded for about a minute.
First Lady Jill Biden tweeted a handwritten message immediately after her speech.
“To those who never wavered, to those who refused to doubt, to those who always believed, my heart is filled with gratitude,” Jill Biden wrote. “Thank you for your trust in Joe. Now it’s time to trust Kamala.”
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