WASHINGTON — President Biden addressed the nation on Wednesday night about his unprecedented decision to abruptly end his campaign, insisting he will remain in office until January despite widespread concerns about his mental health.
“I respect this office, but I love my country even more,” said the 81-year-old president. “Serving as your president has been the honor of my life, but I believe the defense of our democracy in times of crisis is more important than any title.”
The president, who has largely stayed out of the public eye since dropping out of the presidential race on Sunday, said he was withdrawing to “unite” Democrats who were divided over Biden’s apparent mental decline and his chances of winning in November against Republican nominee former President Donald Trump.
“When you elected me to this office, I promised you that I would always be honest with you and tell you the truth,” said Biden, who on Sunday endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor as the top Democratic candidate.
“The last few weeks have made it clear that we need to unite the party. But we cannot let anything get in the way of saving our democracy – including personal ambition.”
“So I’ve decided the best way to move forward is to hand the baton to a new generation,” Biden continued. “That’s the best way to unite our country. You know, there’s a time and a place for years of experience in public office. There’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices. And that time is now.”
Biden listed his lame-duck policy priorities, including “speaking up to protect our kids from gun violence and our planet from the climate crisis.”
“I will seek reform of the Supreme Court because it is vital to our democracy,” he said. “I will continue to work to ensure that America remains strong, safe, and a leader in the free world.”
What you need to know about President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race:
Biden praised some of his major legislative accomplishments from 2021, including COVID-19 and infrastructure bills, as well as bills to fund green energy projects and veterans health care.
“We’re also securing our border,” Biden insisted, even as record numbers of illegal crossings continued during his first three years in office. “Border crossings are down compared to when the last administration left office.”
“In just a few short months, the American people will choose the future course of America. I have made my choice. I have made my voice heard,” Biden said.
“I want to thank our great Vice President, Kamala Harris. She is experienced, she is tough, she is capable. She has been a great partner to me and a great leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people. You choose.”
Biden argued that Harris must defeat Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump, and said, “The preservation of our republic now rests in her hands.”
Biden appeared more coherent and composed than he has in weeks, speaking clearly from a teleprompter, looking tanner than usual and his gray hair slicked back.
“I know you all know how grateful I am for you,” Biden concluded. “The great thing about America is that we don’t run by kings or dictators, we run by the people. History is in your hands.”
At no point in Biden’s 11-minute speech did he directly mention that his withdrawal was the result of a rebellion by Democratic leaders concerned about his mental health.
