Republicans slammed Joe Biden‘s address explaining why he decided to cancel his reelection bid, saying the president should have given up the position much sooner since he ‘hasn’t been running the show.’
President Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office Wednesday evening to explain his rationale for suddenly dropping out of the presidential race on Sunday after weeks of pressure from Democratic allies like Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
His speech was the first direct address to the American people he has delivered since dropping out of the 2024 election and since being diagnosed with COVID one week ago.
During the address, he said he believed ‘fresh voices’ and ‘younger voices’ are better suited to run the country, address its many concerns and coalesce the country around a capable candidate.
Republicans, meanwhile, called the speech a cop out, with Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., saying ‘It’s very evident to me that he hasn’t been running the show for quite some time.’
‘Everybody knows about it,’ he continued.
President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington Wednesday explaining his decision to no longer seek reelection
Even a Democrat pointed out the president’s decline.
‘He doesn’t look as good or sound as good as he used to,’ Rep. Jared Moskowitz, R-Fla., said.
‘But I think he’s one of the best speeches he’s ever given.’
He called the speech ‘moving’ and ‘memorable.’
The Democrat also noted how Biden’s leadership style is selfless.
‘To watch someone say ‘I revere this office, but I’m going to step away because it’s for the benefit of my country.” We just don’t see that in public office.’
Pelosi, who has reportedly had a hand in influencing Biden’s decision to step aside, posted a glowing tribute to the president after his remarks.
‘Tonight, we saw President Joe Biden – one of America’s most consequential presidents – show that he is not only on the right side of history, but on the right side of the future.’
‘He has truly made a tangible difference in the lives of the American people. With love and gratitude, I salute President Biden for always believing in the possibilities of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment.’
U.S. President Joe Biden delivers an address to the nation on his decision to end his reelection campaign, from the Oval Office of the White House, as his son Hunter Biden listens, in Washington, D.C.
Biden spoke about how honored he is to have risen through politics for 50 years coming from humble beginnings as a kid from Pennsylvania with a stutter
In his address, Biden pointed to the future of the country, saying it is time for some one else to step up and lead.
‘I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,’ Biden said during the speech. ‘It’s the best way to unite our nation.’
He continued: ‘There’s also a time and place for new voices. Fresh voices. Yes, younger voices. And that time of places now.’
He tried to strike a unifying tone, saying emboldening the next generation of Democratic leaders is a more noble task than his own personal goals.
‘You know in recent weeks it’s become clear to me, I need to unite my party in this critical endeavor.’
‘I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future all merited a second term.’
The president spoke at length about passing the torch to the next generation of Democrats
‘But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition.’
He said the choice was between ‘unity and division,’ adding, ‘we have to decide we still believe in honesty decency, respect, freedom, justice and democracy.’
Biden also invoked a conciliatory story of his childhood and later career in politics.
‘Nowhere else on earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania and Claymont, Delaware one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as president of the United States.’
‘But here I am. That’s what’s so special about America.’
