President Biden delivered his first public address to the nation on Wednesday night after announcing on Sunday that he would not seek reelection.
President Trump cited the efforts he has made since taking office, including fighting the coronavirus and helping the country recover from what he called “the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.”
Biden also said the election was up to “the American people,” shortly after narrowly endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.
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The letter in which President Biden announced he was withdrawing from the race is on display. (Muhammad Abdullah Kurtal/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“In a few months, the American people will choose the future course of our country. I’ve made my choice. I’ve spoken my mind,” Biden said at the White House. “I want to thank my 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.”
“The choice now rests on you, the American people. As you make that choice, remember the words of Benjamin Franklin, which hang on my wall here in the Oval Office alongside the busts of Dr. King, Rosa Parks and Cesar Chavez.”
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Vice President Kamala Harris speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 26, 2021, as President Biden looks on. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Biden, 81, has faced criticism from both Republicans and Democrats over his appearance and mental acuity since the first presidential debate but has not said anything about why he is stepping down.
“The past few weeks have made it clear to me that I need to unite my party in this important effort. I believe my record as President, my leadership in the world, and my vision for America’s future all merit a second term. But nothing, nothing, including personal ambition, will stand in the way of saving our democracy,” the president said.
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“So I’ve decided that the best way to move forward is to pass the baton to a new generation. That’s the best way to unite our country. I 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.”
“Over the next six months, I will be dedicated to the work of your presidency – that means easing the burden on hardworking families and keeping our economy growing. I will continue to protect individual freedoms and civil rights, from the right to vote to the right to choose. I will continue to condemn hate and extremism, and make it clear that there is no place in America for political violence, or violence of any kind. I will continue to speak out to protect our children from gun violence and our planet from an existential climate crisis.”
Biden has secured the number of delegates needed for reelection, and Harris is now seen as the Democratic candidate to face off against former President Trump in this fall’s general election.
