President Joe Biden mumbled his reasons for dropping out of the 2024 campaign while arguing that he could serve another four years if he wanted to.
He said he chose to “pass the torch” to Vice President Kamala Harris because he believed it would unite the country and save democracy.
“I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world and my vision for America’s future merited a second term,” he said in a prime-time address from the Oval Office.
“But nothing, absolutely nothing, can stand in the way of saving our democracy, including personal ambition. That’s why I decided that the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.”
“There is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life. There is also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices. Yes, younger voices,” he said.
One thing he didn’t address was his own health. Biden has just recovered from a bout of COVID, but it was his disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump, where he was left speechless and at times staring blankly, that led several Democrats to call for him to drop out of the presidential race.
Biden faltered a bit as he spoke, mumbling at times and speaking softly, but he used his speech to summarize his legacy, explain his reasons for dropping out of the presidential race and note that he has more work to do in his remaining six months in office.
President Joe Biden, in a speech from the Oval Office, revealed why he decided to resign as the Democratic candidate
He said he revered his position but loved his country more.
“I revere this office, but I love my country more,” the president said.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve as your president, but I believe that the defense of democracy, which is at stake, is more important than a title.”
Biden made clear that he stepped down voluntarily, a stark contrast to his predecessor. He did not mention Donald Trump by name, but his meaning was clear when he said the country is more important than the Oval Office.
Trump sought to overturn the results of the 2020 election and remain in power, later facing state and federal charges for his actions.
“America is an idea, an idea stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, more powerful than any dictator,” Biden said.
Biden’s decision to resign sent shockwaves throughout the political world.
He endorsed Harris as his candidate and gave her his campaign infrastructure. The campaign changed its name to “Harris for President.”
Within 30 hours, Harris secured enough delegate pledges to win the presidential nomination.
In his speech Wednesday night, Biden did not explicitly endorse Harris but noted that she had “made her views known.”
“I made my decision. I expressed my views. I would like to thank our great Vice President Kamala Harris. She is experienced. She is strong. She is capable. She has been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country.”
“Now the choice is up to you, the American people,” he said, referring to the upcoming elections.
President Joe Biden returns to Delaware after being diagnosed with COVID
Delegates will nominate their nominations virtually between August 1 and 7, ahead of the Democratic National Convention, which begins August 19 in Chicago.
The president returned to the White House on Tuesday after spending six days in isolation at his home in Rehoboth Beach, where he was suffering from COVID.
He has canceled a West Coast fundraising event scheduled for later this week.
He will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday.
Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday denied there was a “cover-up” of Biden’s declining health and mental capacities by Biden staff and family members.
Biden’s top spokesman was repeatedly questioned about Biden’s apparent change of heart about a second term and denied that his health had anything to do with the decision.
During his press conference — his first since Biden’s historic decision to step down as the Democratic nominee — Fox News’ Peter Doocy asked him: “It seems like people in this White House knew that President Biden was in decline and that was hidden from the American people, so who ordered White House officials to cover up for a president in decline?”
“There has been no cover-up,” he replied.
For weeks, Jean-Pierre and other advisers denied that Biden was considering dropping out of the presidential race. For months, they denied reports that his health was declining. But at the June 26 presidential debate, Biden repeatedly slurred his words and froze on camera, prompting questions from within his own party about his ability to serve a second term in the White House. On Sunday, Biden announced he would step down as the party’s nominee.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre denied there was a “cover-up” over President Joe Biden’s health and mental abilities
He said the president made his decision in “a very short period of time.”
Jean-Pierre rejected reports that Democratic aides, lawmakers and officials had noticed for months that Biden was in decline.
He also said his health was not a factor in his decision to drop out of the presidential race.
“It has nothing to do with his health,” he said. “I can say no, that’s not the reason.”
He also described as “ridiculous” calls for the president to resign.
Questions have been raised about why, if Biden cannot serve four more years, he can serve six more months.
Jean-Pierre argued that Biden was capable of serving a full second term.
“He didn’t stop campaigning or running for office because he didn’t believe he could serve a second term. That wasn’t the reason,” he said.