In a speech to the nation Wednesday from the Oval Office, President Joe Biden announced he would no longer pursue re-election in order to "unify my party" and put the protection of American democracy ahead of personal ambition. Biden spoke shortly after having come out of seclusion in his Delaware home following his infection with Covid-19. He was initially halting but quickly hit his stride as he began to speak. He explained stepping down to make way for a new generation that would take good care of democratic values founded by the forefathers.
Speaking for almost 11 minutes from behind the Resolute Desk, donning a blue tie – color representing affiliation with Democratic Party – Biden outlined his reasons for stepping down.
"In recent weeks it's become clear to me that I need to unite my party in this critical endeavour," Biden said, of protecting American democracy.
"I believe my record as President, my leadership of the world, my vision of America's future, all merited a second term but nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy, that includes personal ambition."
It was on Sunday that 81-year-old Biden had announced his withdrawal from the race to the presidency in 2024 amidst mounting pressure from his own party after he turned in a lackluster debate performance during the first presidential debate against his Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump. He said at the time that he would go on to explain his decision, which he did in the highly anticipated address Wednesday night during primetime.
Biden reflected on the successes of his administration, from control of the Covid-19 pandemic and record infrastructure and climate change laws at the very beginning to nominating the first African-American woman to the Supreme Court. His administration was successful in working out a system for reducing diabetes drug prices, strengthening NATO in the face of Russian aggression over Ukraine, and presenting a framework to resolve the Israel-Hamas conflict. He also pointed out that this had not happened for a century—that there were no wars the US was involved in.
As he wrapped up the speech, Biden again said that now was the time to pass the torch to a new generation.
"I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation."
Biden said he had made his choice clear by endorsing Kamala Harris, his Vice-President, for President.
"History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America – lies in your hands."
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