president Joe Biden In his historic televised address since dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, the 81-year-old president addressed the American people from the Oval Office on Wednesday, July 24, beginning his speech with a thank you to his predecessors, including Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, who “demonstrated that the president is not a king.”
“I respect this office, but I love this country even more,” Biden said. “This sacred mission of perfecting our union is not about me.”
Biden, a veteran politician, vowed to fulfill his duties as president for the remaining six months of his term. He also promised to “continue to speak out” and “continue to fight” for the American people, especially on gun violence and Supreme Court reform. Regarding how Americans should protect their democracy, Biden pointed out that there is no place for “kings and dictators” in the United States.
Reflecting on his humble upbringing in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden said he never imagined he’d be in the position he is in now.
Fellow Americans,
It has been the honor of my life to serve as your President.
I find strength and joy in working for people.
But this sacred mission of completing our union isn’t about me. It’s about you. It’s about your families. It’s about your future.
It is about “We the People.”
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 25, 2024
“We are a country of hope and possibility, a nation of dreamers and doers, ordinary Americans achieving extraordinary things,” he explained. “I have given my heart and soul to this country, and it has been the honor of my life to serve as your president.”
Although Biden has dropped out of the race and given up his chances at reelection, he acknowledged that the best way forward is to pass the baton to a new generation — specifically, “new voices” and “younger voices.”
I have had the honor of serving this country for over 50 years.
Like so many others, I have given my heart and soul to it.
And I have been blessed a million times over with the love and support of the American people.
I hope you all know how grateful I am.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 25, 2024
“I believe that my record as president, my vision for America’s future, will not stand in the way of saving our democracy,” he added, praising the vice president’s work. Kamala HarrisBiden also called the 59-year-old Democratic nominee a “great partner,” describing him as “tough” and fully capable of moving the country forward.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve this country for 50 years,” he concluded. “The American ideal is in your hands. Keep the faith and never forget who we are. Together, nothing is beyond our capabilities.”
President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race comes after he received persistent pleas from Democrats and other prominent figures asking him to withdraw. Now that she is the presumptive nominee, Harris is currently campaigning and has received multiple endorsements from celebrities and Democrats. Earlier this week, Vice President Harris raised more than $80 million in donations within the first 24 hours of launching her campaign.