President Biden, in an Oval Office speech, said he decided to end his reelection bid when it became clear that this was how he could unite Democrats after weeks of intraparty chaos and mounting pressure to step aside.
The president firmly declared that there was nothing less than a higher power that could change his mind about running again. But he eventually relented, particularly after listening to congressional leadership, who begged him to give up or risk Democrats also losing both chambers of Congress in November.
“Over the past few weeks, it has become clear to me that I need to unite my party in this critical effort,” he said.
“Nothing, nothing can stop the salvation of our democracy. This includes personal ambition. So, I decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. It is the best way to unite our nation”, added the president.
“The cause of the nation is bigger than any of us,” he said.
He was joined in the Oval Office by first lady Jill Biden, his children, their spouses and children and some of his longtime political advisers, along with White House staff.
Biden threw his support behind Vice President Harris, who Democrats say has revitalized his energy and has the potential to increase his chances of defeating former President Trump. Harris watched Biden’s speech from Houston, Texas, according to reporters who traveled with her.
In a letter published on social media on Sunday, Biden announced that he would withdraw from his candidacy. It came after reports suggested that some of the most prominent Democrats, including former President Obama and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), tried to convince him that his chances of beating Trump were slipping away.
“There is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life,” Biden said in his speech. “There is also a time and a place for new voices, new voices. Yes, younger voices. And that time is now.”
Calls for him to step aside followed a poor debate performance in late June, during which Biden, 81, struggled to finish his thoughts and spoke in a low, hoarse voice. He spent three weeks insisting he would stay in the race and campaigning until he dropped out.
The president, in his speech, called for the preservation of democracy, which was a constant theme of his administration, after defeating Trump in 2020.
“In this moment, we can see those with whom we disagree not as enemies, but as… friends, fellow Americans. Can we do this? Does character in public life still matter?” he said.
He referred to the words he has hanging in his office by Benjamin Franklin, which describe that the founders gave America “a Republic, if you can keep it.”
“Whether we maintain our Republic is now in your hands,” he said.
“History is in your hands, the power is in your hands. The idea of America is in your hands,” Biden added.
He made it clear that he would not step down as president and would serve his term for the next six months.
The president outlined his plans until he leaves office in January, which include ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, reforming the Supreme Court and continuing work on reproductive rights and his Cancer Moonshot initiative, among other priorities.
He also praised Harris, calling her “experienced,” “tough” and “capable.” The president never mentioned Trump by name.
Additionally, he expressed gratitude for the 50 years he served in government.
“Nowhere else on Earth can a stuttering child from modest backgrounds in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day be allowed to sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office,” Biden said. “I gave my heart and soul to the nation, like so many others… I hope you have some idea of how grateful I am to all of you.”
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
