In a significant announcement from the Oval Office on Wednesday, President Biden delivered an approximately 11-minute address to the nation. Seated behind the Resolute Desk and flanked by portraits of American presidents, Biden detailed his decision to withdraw from the upcoming presidential race and outlined his vision for the remainder of his term.
Having recently recovered from a bout of COVID-19, the 81-year-old president emphasized the importance of “defending democracy” throughout his speech.
Here are five key takeaways from this pivotal moment in the election cycle, as Vice President Harris, endorsed by Biden, aims to become the Democratic nominee for president:
1. Biden Explains Decision to Step Aside
President Biden reiterated his commitment to honesty, stating, “When I was elected, I promised to always level with you, to tell you the truth.” He stressed the paramount importance of the “sacred cause of this country” over personal ambition, emphasizing unity to protect American democracy.
Biden says ‘The choice is up to you, the American people’ while saying he won’t seek re-election
“In recent weeks, it’s become clear to me that I need to unite my party in this critical endeavor,” Biden said. “I believed my record as president, my leadership in the world, and my vision for America’s future all merited a second term. But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition. So I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. It’s the best way to unite our nation. You know, there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life. There’s also a time and place for new voices. Fresh voices. Yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now.”
2. Biden Pledges Supreme Court Reform
The president outlined his plans for the next six months, highlighting Supreme Court reform as a critical issue for democracy. “I’m going to call for Supreme Court reform because this is critical to our democracy, Supreme Court reform,” he stated without further details.
Biden also promised to continue efforts to reduce costs for families, grow the economy, defend personal freedoms and civil rights, and advance the “cancer moonshot” initiative, which aims to accelerate cancer research.
3. Biden Condemns Political Violence
Without directly addressing the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump, Biden condemned political violence. “I’ll keep calling out hate and extremism. Make it clear [that] there is no place, no place in America for political violence or any violence that ever. Period,” he said.
On July 13, Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which subsequently solidified his nomination by the Republican Party.
4. Biden Reaffirms Support for Harris
President Biden expressed strong support for Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee, drawing on historical references. “I’d like to thank our great Vice President, Kamala Harris. She’s experienced. She’s tough. She’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people. When you make that choice, remember the words of Benjamin Franklin’s hanging on my wall here in the Oval Office, alongside the busts of Doctor King and Rosa Parks and Cesar Chavez,” Biden said.
Recalling Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote, “A republic, if you can keep it,” Biden emphasized the role of the people over “kings and dictators,” a veiled critique of Trump.
5. Biden Highlights Achievements and Foreign Policy Goals
Proudly noting that he is the first U.S. president of this century without Americans at war, Biden said, “I will keep working to ensure America remains strong, secure in the leader of the free world. I’m the first president of this century to report to the American people that the United States is not a war anywhere in the world.”
Despite facing criticism over the Afghanistan withdrawal, Biden emphasized his efforts to maintain global alliances and counter Russian and Chinese influence. He also promised to end the Israel-Hamas conflict and bring peace to the Middle East.
Biden concluded with a vow to “keep rallying a coalition of proud nations” and bolster NATO’s unity and power, reinforcing America’s leadership on the global stage.