Topline
President Joe Biden said Wednesday in his first public address since his historic decision Sunday to end his re-election campaign that he believed his record “merited a second term,” but he put his “personal ambition” aside in “defense of democracy.”
President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, … [+]
Key Facts
Biden did not go into great detail in explaining why he chose to bow out of the race, but may have hinted at the backlash he faced from his fellow Democrats following his June 27 debate performance: “in recent weeks it’s become clear to me that I need to unite my party,” he said.
“The best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation . . . fresh voices, yes, younger voices,” he said, a nod at concerns that, at 81, he is too old to serve another term.
Biden spoke in general terms about the significance of the office of the presidency and the state of American politics, urging Americans to “see those we disagree with not as enemies . . . but as fellow Americans,” adding “we are a great nation because we are good people.”
Alluding to the November election and his frequent attacks against former President Donald Trump as a threat to democracy, Biden said “America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.”
Biden mentioned Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he has endorsed to replace him as the Democratic nominee, once in the speech, calling her “experienced . . . tough . . . capable” and “an incredible partner.”
The president touted his record and laid out his plans for the remainder of his term, including making clear “there is no place, no place in America for political violence, or any violence, ever, period,” calling for Supreme Court reforms, partnering with NATO allies to stop Russia from taking over Ukraine, and working to end the war in Gaza and free remaining Hamas hostages.
Crucial Quote
“When you elected me to this office, I promised to always level with you, to tell you the truth,” Biden said. “The truth [is the] sacred cause of this country is larger than any one of us.”
Tangent
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday Biden did not step aside in the race because he doesn’t believe he is fit to serve another four years, but did not elaborate on his reasoning, telling reporters the president would explain himself in his address. Jean-Pierre said Biden made the historic decision “in a very short period of time” over the weekend, meeting with a “small group of advisors,” including family members, on Saturday night. She said he let advisors know Sunday at 1:45 p.m. he would end his campaign, minutes before he publicly released the letter announcing his decision.
Key Background
Biden on Sunday announced he was ending his re-election bid, upending the presidential race less than four months before the election. Biden stepped aside in the race after failing to stave off a mutiny from Democrats in Congress and major donors in the wake of his catastrophic June 27 debate performance. Announcing the decision in a public letter, Biden wrote that he believed “it is in the best interest of [his]
party and the country” to stand down in the race “and focus solely on fulfilling [his] duties as President” for the remainder of his term. He promptly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him, and she announced she would seek the Democratic nomination. By Monday, the majority of the 4,000 delegates who will vote to formalize the party’s nominee in the first week of August declared their support for Harris, making it all but certain she’ll face Trump in the November election.
Surprising Fact
Wednesday’s address marks only the fourth time—and the second time in less than two weeks—Biden has spoken from the Oval Office, a setting reserved for serious, momentous events. Biden also addressed the nation from the Resolute Desk after former President Donald Trump was shot at his rally in Pennsylvania on July 13. Biden arrived back in Washington on Tuesday after spending several days recovering from COVID-19 at his home in Rehoboth, Delaware.
Further Reading
Biden Believes He Could Still Serve Another Term—Despite Leaving 2024 Race, White House Says (Forbes)
Biden Drops Out Of 2024 Race—Here’s What Happens Next (Forbes)
Sen. Joe Manchin Joins Major Surge Of Democrats Calling On Biden To Quit (Forbes)
2022 midterms, 2024 presidential campaign, the January 6 House committee investigation, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s historic ouster, the 2023 State of the Union Address, former President Donald Trump’s federal election interference and classified documents cases and his Manhattan hush money case. Dorn graduated in 2012 from the University of Dayton with a degree in journalism. Prior to joining Forbes, she covered New York City and state politics for the New York Post and City and State magazine. Follow her for updates and analysis on the 2024 presidential race, key Senate and House races and developments in Congress and at the White House.
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