In his speech, President Joe Biden said, “I believe the best course of action is to pass the torch to a new generation. This is the path to uniting our nation.”
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race against Republican Donald Trump, citing concerns about the future of U.S. democracy. He emphasized the importance of stepping aside to allow a new generation to lead in his first public address since ending his re-election bid.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Biden referenced former presidents Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln to express his deep respect for the presidency, which he will vacate in six months, concluding a 50-year career in public service.
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“I have a profound respect for this office,” Biden stated. “But my love for our country takes precedence.”
At 81, Biden resisted weeks of pressure from Democrats to step down following a poor debate performance on June 27, where he asserted that only a divine intervention could make him reconsider. After days of contemplation and reviewing internal polls that indicated a potential loss to Trump and negative impacts on fellow Democrats, he decided to withdraw.
“I believe the best course of action is to pass the torch to a new generation. This is the path to uniting our nation,” Biden declared.
He commended Vice President Kamala Harris, who secured the Democratic nomination following his endorsement.
“She is resilient, competent, and has been a tremendous partner and leader for our country,” Biden remarked.
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Throughout his 11-minute speech, Biden highlighted the risks he believes Americans face if Trump wins the November 5 election, without directly naming Trump.
“Nothing should obstruct the preservation of our democracy, not even personal ambition,” he said.
“The beauty of America lies in its governance by the people, not kings or dictators. The future of our nation is in your hands,” Biden added.
This speech marked Biden’s first extended public commentary since yielding to Democratic pressure and announcing via social media on Sunday that he would not seek re-election on November 5.
Off-camera, Biden’s close family members and senior advisers were present, seated along the Oval Office’s curved wall, applauding as he concluded his remarks.
Towards the end of his speech, Ashley Biden reached for the hand of her mother, First Lady Jill Biden, who was seated beside her.
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Biden is the first sitting president to forego re-election since Lyndon Johnson in 1968, who withdrew amid criticism of his handling of the Vietnam War. Biden joins presidents James K. Polk, James Buchanan, Rutherford B. Hayes, Calvin Coolidge, and Harry Truman in opting not to seek a second elected term.
Calls for Biden to step aside surged after a contentious debate performance against Trump raised concerns about his mental fitness. However, Democrats have since rallied around him, lauding his character and presidential record.
“Only in America could a child from humble beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, rise to sit behind the Resolute Desk as president,” Biden said. “Yet here I am.”
Earlier in the evening, White House staff gathered to watch the speech together, cheering and applauding Biden afterward in the Rose Garden, where ice cream was served.
Despite recent verbal slip-ups, the White House has denied any cognitive issues with Biden. He committed to focusing on his presidential duties during his remaining six months, including strengthening NATO, preventing Russian President Vladimir Putin from overtaking Ukraine, working towards a ceasefire in Gaza, and advocating for Supreme Court reform. He is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to discuss Gaza ceasefire efforts.
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This address was Biden’s fourth use of the Oval Office for a formal speech since assuming office in 2021. His previous Oval Office speech on July 15 urged Americans to reduce political rhetoric following an assassination attempt on Trump.
Joe Biden‘s political journey began in 1972 when he was elected to the Senate at age 29, becoming the sixth-youngest U.S. senator. He will end his presidency on January 20, 2025, as the oldest American president, having turned 82.
“I find strength and joy in serving the American people. But the mission of perfecting our Union is not about me. It’s about you, your families, your futures. It’s about ‘We the People,’” Biden concluded.