US President Joe Biden made his first address to the nation after withdrawing from the presidential race in 2024. He emphasized the importance of protecting American democracy and uniting his party, stating that his record as president merited a second term. Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race was to defend democracy, and he expressed reverence for his country more than any title.
Democratic Party leaders voiced concerns about Biden’s mental acuity and advanced age, but the White House denied any cognitive issues. Biden emphasized that the sacred task of perfecting the union is not about him, but about the people, their families, and futures. He rallied behind his Vice President and party’s presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, calling her experienced, tough, and capable.
Biden emphasized that there is a time and place for long years of experience in public life, but also a time and place for new voices. The decisions taken now will determine the fate of the US and the world for decades to come. Americans must choose between hope and hate, unity and division, and whether they still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice, and democracy.
Biden is the first incumbent president not to seek reelection since 1968 when Lyndon Johnson abruptly pulled out of the campaign. He invoked previous presidents including Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln. Biden will leave office in six months, capping a half century in public office.
