WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden justified his decision not to seek reelection during a prime-time speech from the Oval Office on Wednesday, saying it was time to hand over power to the next generation.
“I have made clear that I believe America is at a turning point — one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come,” Biden said. “America will have to choose between moving forward and retreating, between hope and hatred, between unity and division.”
The 11-minute speech was Biden’s first extended on-camera appearance since releasing a letter Sunday in which he withdrew as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. He will continue his term.
Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who won enough delegates to secure the party’s official nomination during A virtual roll-call vote is scheduled for early August.
Biden held a campaign rally earlier this week but has made only brief speeches or off-camera appearances since announcing his decision to step down due to COVID-19.
Calls for Biden to withdraw began after his performance during the first presidential debate on June 27 raised earnest concerns among Democrats and others about his age and cognitive abilities.
“Nothing will stand in the way of saving our democracy”
Addressing Americans directly in his speech, Biden said he believes his accomplishments, leadership and vision for the country’s future “merit a second term.”
“But nothing, nothing, lets nothing stand in the way of saving our democracy, including personal ambition,” Biden said. “That’s why I decided the best way to move forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That’s the best way to unite our nation.”
Biden said that while “there is a time and place for long years of experience in public life,” there is also a time for “younger voices.”
“And that time and place is now,” Biden said.
Biden said that in his remaining six months in office, he intends to continue to push for gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and an end to all forms of violence, including political violence.
Biden has said he wants to end the war in Gaza and bring home hostages taken by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
He added that he intended to push for changes to the Supreme Court, which he considered crucial for democracy.
Biden also mentioned numerous laws passed since becoming president, as well as his efforts to keep the North Atlantic Alliance together after Russia invaded Ukraine.
He said he hopes Americans understand how “grateful” he is for his decades of serving as an elected official.
“I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still believe, that what is at stake is the soul of America, the very nature of who we are,” Biden said.
Harris said she has the experience, strength and competence to lead the country after the November election.
“The great thing about America is that kings and dictators don’t rule — people rule,” Biden said. “History is in your hands, the power is in your hands, the idea of America is in your hands. We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.”
