U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday evening that he is withdrawing from the election race against Republican Donald Trump due to his concerns about the future of the country, marking his first public comments since the surprising announcement of his decision not to seek re-election for a second term. In a speech from the Oval Office, Biden recalled past presidents Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln while expressing his love for the office he will leave in six months, concluding half a century of service in public positions.
Biden stated, "I value this office, but my love for my country is greater." He added, "I have decided that the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. This is the best way to unite our nation." His 11-minute speech included references to the danger he believes Americans will face if Trump wins the November 5 election, although he did not mention Trump by name.
Biden mentioned that he withdrew from the race to help heal the Democratic Party and unite Democrats towards the goal of victory. He said, "Nothing can hinder the path to saving our democracy. Not even personal ambition." He continued, "The greatness of America is here; kings and dictators do not rule. The people rule. History is in your hands. Power is in your hands. The image of America is in your hands."
This was his first lengthy public statement since he faced pressure from Democrats and later announced on social media on Sunday that he decided not to run for re-election on the fifth. Biden is the first sitting president not to seek re-election since 1968. He confirmed that he will focus on his duties as president during the remaining six months of his term.
This marks the fourth time Biden has used the Oval Office, which holds official symbolism, since taking office in 2021. His last address from the Oval Office was on July 15 when he urged Americans to tone down political rhetoric following an assassination attempt on his rival, Donald Trump.
Biden's political career began when he was elected to the Senate in 1972 at the age of 29, becoming the sixth youngest U.S. senator. He will become the oldest U.S. president when he concludes his term in the White House on January 20, 2025, at which point he will be over 82 years old. Biden said, "Defending democracy is more important than any title I have drawn power from or found joy in working for the American people. But the sacred mission of preserving our union is not about me. It is about you."
