PRESIDENT Joe Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office for the first time, announcing his decision to drop out of the race for the White House.
Biden, 81, explained his reason for dropping out after weeks of believing he was the only candidate to defeat former President Donald Trump.
“Defending democracy is more important than any title,” Biden said.
“I draw strength and find joy in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your future. It’s about ‘We the People.'”
He spoke for just 15 minutes, his voice still hoarse after testing positive for Covid-19 last week.
Biden listed his goals for the rest of his presidency, including lowering prices, growing the economy and defending Americans’ rights.
“I decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” he said.
“This is the best way to unite our nation.”
He added that he will continue to speak out against gun violence and work on his Cancer Moonshot initiative, while calling on the Supreme Court for reforms. Court.
“I will continue to defend our personal freedoms and our civil rights, from the right to vote to the right to choose,” Biden said.
“I will continue to call out hate and extremism and make it clear that there is no place, no place in America, for political violence or violence of any kind.”
He reflected on his presidency and spoke briefly about his candidacy for a second term, but decided it was in the country’s best interest to end his campaign.
“I revere this office, but I love my country more,” he said.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve as your president, but the defense of democracy, which has an interest, I think is more important than a title.”
THE TIME OF KAMALA
Biden also praised Vice President Kamala Harris, who he supported shortly after abandoning the race.
Harris won enough delegate support to become the Democratic Party’s presumptive presidential nominee on July 22, just one day after Biden withdrew his candidacy.
“In just a few months, the American people choose the direction of America future,” Biden said in his speech.
“I made my choice. I presented my opinion. I want to thank our great vice president Kamala Harris. She is experienced. She’s tough. She is capable.
“She has been an incredible partner to me and leader of our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people: you make that choice.”
TRUMP REACTS
After the speech, Trump shared his reaction on his social media platform Truth Social.
In a series of tweets, Trump criticized his political rivals.
“Crooked Joe BidenOval’s speech in the Oval Office was almost incomprehensible and sooooo bad!” he he wrote.
He called Biden and Harris a “great shame for the US.”
“There has never been a time like this!”
Throughout Biden’s speech, he stopped mentioning the former president, however, he made several references to Trump.
“The best of America is here, kings and dictators don’t govern,” Biden said.
“The people do it. History is in their hands. Power is in their hands. The idea of America – is in their hands.”
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