'Saving American Democracy Bigger than Personal Ambition', says Biden

US President Joe Biden gave an Oval Office Speech on Wednesday about his decision to drop out of the 2024 Presidential Race. “There is a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices — yes, younger voices,” said Biden, explaining his reason for withdrawing from the re-election campaign.

This was Biden’s first address since announcing on Sunday that he would not seek reelection for a second term and would withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.

He talked about saving American democracy as being bigger than his “personal ambition” for running for the second term hence, passing the torch to a new generation.

Biden endorses Harris as the nominee

In his speech, Biden expressed his confidence and gratitude for Vice President Kamala Harris as the expected Democrat nominee, calling her experienced, tough, and capable of being the country’s leader. “The best way to move forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” he said.

While running for her campaign, Harris garnered a lot of support among the party members and voters. Within 36 hours of Biden’s withdrawal, the 59-year-old Vice President had gathered the support of her party.

"I Reveal This Office"

Here's President Joe Biden stumbling and rambling through his address to the Nation.

What did you think about his speech?#PresidentBiden #OvalOffice #NationalAddress pic.twitter.com/VcTwQGbdHb

— Conservative Brief (@ConservBrief) July 25, 2024

Biden then reflected upon his journey as the President and expressed his gratitude to the American people. He said, “Nowhere else on Earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pa., and Claymont, Del., one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as president of the United States. But here I am. I hope you have some idea how grateful I am to all of you.”

Recent events

The 81-year-old President had also tested positive for COVID-19 on July 17 and was kept in isolation in Delaware. After recovering, he delivered this speech from the Oval Office on Wednesday, which was his first address after the incident.

He resigned from his re-election campaign on Sunday after being under constant pressure from his Democratic allies to withdraw from the Presidential race. The debate held on June 27 against former President Donald Trump raised questions among the public concern about his authority as a leader. During the debate, Biden frequently gave confused answers and failed to call out Trump’s numerous falsehoods. Many leaders including Barack Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi had raised questions on Biden’s candidacy.