By OAN Staff Member Sofia Flores
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 5:57 PM
President Joe Biden delivered his first address to the nation from the Oval Office since dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.
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On Wednesday night, Biden gave a rare speech in which he said, “I respect this office, but I love my country more.”
“Serving as your president has been the honor of my life,” Biden said, “but defending our democracy at a time of crisis is more important than any title. I am energized and delighted to serve the American people.”
In his 11-minute speech, Biden said he had enjoyed his time as president but believed “the best way to move forward is to pass the baton to a new generation.”
“I’ve decided that the best way to move forward is to pass the baton to a new generation,” the 81-year-old Democrat said. “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 and place is now.”
But Biden strangely gave no explanation for why he suddenly dropped out of the race, despite the president consistently declaring until just a few weeks ago that he had no intention of withdrawing.
Biden also reiterated his support for the presidential campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently secured enough delegate support to become a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination.
“In the coming months, the American people will choose the course of America’s future,” the president said.
“I’ve made my choice,” Biden continued, “I’ve voiced my opinion, and I want to thank our great Vice President, Kamala Harris. She’s experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable. She’s been a great partner for me and a great leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people.”
Biden concluded his historic speech by reflecting on his long political career.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve this country for more than 50 years,” Biden said. “There is no way on earth that a kid with a stutter, from humble beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claremont, Delaware, could one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as president of the United States. And yet here I am.”
Biden has said he intends to remain in office for the remainder of his term.
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