Joe Biden has said he couldn’t let his “personal ambition” stand in the way of “saving our democracy” in a live address to the nation from the Oval office -his first speech since announcing his decision to drop out of the presidential race.
The 81-year-old president, who on Sunday abandoned his bid for a second term in the White House amid widespread concerns over his fitness, said it has been “the honour of my life to serve you as president”.
But the Democratic leader, who will be staying in power until the next president takes over in January, said: “The defence of democracy, which is at stake, is more important than any title.
“I draw strength, and find joy, in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about ‘We the People’.”
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Mr Biden ended his bid to be re-elected as pressure mounted on him to step aside following a series of gaffes – including mistakenly referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Vladimir Putin.
He also performed disastrously in the first election debate against Republican nominee Donald Trump, leading to Democrats calling his performance a “slow motion car crash”.
Mr Biden hugs family after addressing the nation. Pic: AP
“Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy, that includes personal ambition,” Mr Biden said in his address.
“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation,” adding the time for “younger voices” had arrived.
Mr Biden said leaving the race was “in the best interest of my party and the country”.
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Biden: ‘Best way forward is to pass the torch’
People cry as they hear the president for the first time since he decided to quit. Pic: AP
Mr Biden thanked his “great” Vice-President Kamala Harris, whom he endorsed on Sunday as Democratic nominee.
“She’s experienced. She’s tough. She’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me, and a leader for our country,” he said.
Mr Biden’s term in office ends at noon on 20 January 2025, but some have called for him to resign immediately.
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Ms Harris watched the president’s Oval Office speech from Houston, a White House official said.
The vice president is in Texas for a two-day trip that includes a speech to the American Federation of Teachers.