After exiting the presidential race just a few months before a critical election, President Biden addressed the nation regarding his decision.
On Wednesday, President Biden delivered an Oval Office address to the nation following his exit from the 2024 presidential race. His address issued a warning about the high stakes of the upcoming election, and reiterated Biden’s commitment to advancing his agenda in the last few months of his presidency.
“Americans are going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division,” Biden said. “We have to decide – do we still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice and democracy.”
Biden listed several items he still plans to accomplish in his remaining time in office. He wants to work to end the war in Gaza and bring hostages home, push for an end to gun violence in America, and make Supreme Court reforms.
President Biden said he’d like to hand off power to a new generation of leadership. He called for “fresh voices” and “younger voices” in politics.
While he refrained from discussing the political race in detail, Biden offered his support to Harris during the broadcast. “She’s been an incredible partner for her leadership, for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people.”
On June 27, Biden’s campaign suffered a serious blow with his debate performance against former President Trump. Since then, members of the Democratic Party have called for him to step out of the race.
As Biden closed his address, he said, “The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule – that people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.”
