President Joe Biden made his first televised comments about his decision to suspend his reelection campaign during a primetime address on Wednesday.
Seated at the historic Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, Biden, 81, affirmed his commitment to serving out his term until January, stating, “over the next six months, I will continue to focus on doing my job as president.”
Biden’s decision to end his 2024 campaign was initially announced in a statement on Sunday, July 21. During his address, he elaborated on his decision, emphasising the importance of the presidency beyond his personal ambitions.
“This sacred task of protecting our Union is not about me,” he said. “It’s about you. Your families. Your futures.”
The president addressed concerns about his age, which had been highlighted following his performance during the first 2024 presidential debate against former President Donald Trump.
He also expressed his support for Vice President Kamala Harris, 59, who is 22 years younger than Biden. “I decided that the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” he said. “It’s the best way to unite our nation. There is a time and place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices, and that time and place is now.”
Biden praised Harris, describing her as “experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable . . . she’s been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country.”
He refrained from mentioning Trump by name but spoke about the high stakes of the upcoming November 2024 election.
“I’ve made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point,” he said. “America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward. Between hope and hate. Between unity and division. Do we still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice and democracy?
“Does character in public life still matter? I believe we know the answer to these questions, because I know you, the American people. And I know we are a great nation because we are good people.”
Biden reflected on his promise to always be honest with the American people and the need to unite the Democratic Party. “When you elected me to this office, I promised to always level with you, to tell you the truth . . . in recent weeks it’s become clear to me that I need to unite my party . . . I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for the future, all merited a second term. But nothing can come in the way of our democracy.”
The president also highlighted the power of the American people and the enduring idea of America. “We’re a nation of ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things . . . The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule, the people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America is in your hands. Keep the faith, and remember who we are. We’re the United States of America, and there is nothing beyond our capacity if we do it together.”
Biden concluded his address with a reference to Benjamin Franklin’s words about the American republic. “When you make that choice, remember the words of Benjamin Franklin . . . asked whether the Founders have given Americans a monarchy or a republic, his answer was, ‘a Republic, if you can keep it.'”
In his initial announcement on July 21, Biden stated, “It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Biden also officially endorsed Harris, saying, “My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee for our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
Harris responded to Biden’s endorsement, expressing her gratitude and determination. “Over the past year, I have travelled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead,” she said. “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party — and unite our nation — to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.”
With 107 days until Election Day, Harris declared, “Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”
Following Biden’s announcement, documents filed with the Federal Election Commission reflected the change, retitling the campaign to “Harris for President.” Harris’ campaign received a record-breaking $81 million in donations within 24 hours of the announcement, marking the largest 24-hour fundraising haul by any presidential candidate in history.
