Joe Biden breaks silence after dropping out of presidential race, emphasizes importance of ‘saving our democracy’ over personal ambition | US News
Joe Biden emphasized that he couldn’t let his “personal ambition” hinder “saving our democracy” during a live address to the nation from the Oval office, marking his first speech since announcing the decision to drop out of the presidential race.
The 81-year-old president, who recently withdrew his bid for a second term in the White House due to concerns about his fitness, stated, “It has been the honor of my life to serve you as president.”
Despite his decision to remain in power until the next president assumes office in January, Biden stressed, “The defense of democracy, which is currently at stake, is more important than any title.” He further added, “I draw strength and find joy in working for the American people. However, the sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me; it’s about you and your families.”
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Mr. Biden ended his re-election campaign under mounting pressure following a series of gaffes, including mistakenly referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Vladimir Putin. He also endured a disastrous performance at the first election debate against Republican nominee Donald Trump, with Democrats referring to it as a “slow-motion car crash.”
Mr Biden hugs family after addressing the nation Pic: AP
In his address, Mr. Biden asserted, “Nothing can stand in the way of saving our democracy, not even personal ambition.” He stated his decision to pass the torch to a new generation as the best way forward for uniting the nation, emphasizing that the time for “younger voices” had arrived.
Expressing that leaving the race was “in the best interest of my party and the country,” Mr. Biden thanked his “great” Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he endorsed on Sunday as the Democratic nominee.
Mr. Biden’s term in office concludes at noon on January 20, 2025. Though some have urged him to resign immediately.
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Ms. Harris watched the president’s Oval Office speech from Houston, where she is on a two-day trip, including a speech to the American Federation of Teachers.
