Joe Biden’s full statement as he withdraws from the presidential race

Joe Biden has announced he is withdrawing from the presidential race – read his statement in full below.

My Fellow Americans,

During the last three and a half years, we have seen significant progress as a Nation.

Today, America boasts the strongest economy in the world.

We have made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in reducing prescription drug costs for seniors, and in providing affordable health care to a record number of Americans.

We have offered essential care to a million veterans exposed to harmful substances. Enacted the first gun safety law in 30 years. Named the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most substantial climate legislation in the world’s history. America is currently in the best position to lead it has ever been.

I recognize that none of this could have been achieved without you, the American people. Together, we have overcome a once-in-a-century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We have safeguarded and maintained our Democracy. And we have rejuvenated and reinforced our alliances globally.

Follow live: US president pulls out of election fight

Serving as your President has been the greatest honor of my life. Although I had intended to seek reelection, I believe stepping down is in the best interest of my party and the country, allowing me to devote my efforts solely to fulfilling my responsibilities as President for the remainder of my term.

I will provide more details about my decision when I address the Nation later this week. For now, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly for my reelection. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for her exceptional partnership in all our endeavors. And I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the American people for the faith and trust they have placed in me.

I continue to believe today what I have always believed: that there is nothing America cannot achieve when we work together. We must always remember that we are the United States of America.

In another post on X, he endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee:

My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to seek the nomination and to dedicate all my efforts to my responsibilities as President for the rest of my term.

My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to choose Kamala Harris as my Vice President. It has proven to be the best decision I could have made.

Today, I offer my complete support and endorsement for Kamala to be our party’s nominee this year. Democrats – it is time to unite and defeat Trump. Let’s make it happen.