President Joe Biden said he ended his re-election bid in an Oval Office address because there is “a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices—yes, younger voices.” “I revere this office, but I love my country more,” he said during a prime-time address. “Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition.”
The 11-minute speech was the president’s first public comment since passing the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee. He said Harris is “experienced; she’s tough, she’s capable,” and Biden urged voters to choose her over Donald Trump.
Just beyond the camera, dozens of aides and several members of his family, including Jill Biden, the first lady, watched as Biden said he would walk away from the office they had worked to help him reach for decades. “It’s been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years,’’ he said.
Biden Hails, Recommends Kamala Harris
In his first televised address since his stunning decision, Biden also hailed his Vice President Kamala Harrissis, 59, who is set to be the new Democratic presidential nominee.
“She’s experienced. She’s tough. She’s capable,” Biden said in just the fourth address of his presidency from behind the Resolute Desk—and likely his last.
Biden bowed out of the race later than any other president in US history, giving in to weeks of pressure from Democrats after a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump raised concerns about his age.
Speaking in a hushed voice after a COVID infection, Biden used the powerfully symbolic setting to insist on his achievements while admitting it was time to move on.
He said there was a “time and a place for new voices, fresh voices—yes, younger voices. And that time and place are now.”
Why he exited the US presidential race
The US President said he believed his record warranted a second term. But “nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy,” he continued. “That includes personal ambition.”.
“The great thing about America is that kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.”
As they were being ushered out of the room, the White House press corps heard applause from family members and staff as the president spoke softly.
Biden did not mention the three weeks of mounting pressure he had faced from top Democrats and donors to step aside in the wake of his disastrous debate performance against Trump late last month.
