Biden explains reasons for withdrawing from race and calls on Americans to unite
President of the US, Joe Biden (photo: Getty Images)
President Joe Biden addressed the American people, explaining the reasons for his withdrawal from the presidential race, according to the President's official page on the social media platform X.
In his national address from the Oval Office, President Biden described his decision to withdraw from the presidential race as a matter of democracy.
He framed the 2024 election as a choice between moving forward and backwards, between hope and hate.
"I respect this office, but I love my country more. It has been the honor of my life to serve as your president, but defending democracy, which is at stake, is more important than any title. I draw strength and find joy in working for the American people," Biden said.
The President also noted that Americans will have many choices in the presidential election this fall. According to him, "America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division."
"We have to decide: Do we still believe in honesty, decency, respect? In freedom, justice, and democracy? At this moment, we can see those we disagree with not as enemies, but as fellow Americans. Can we do that? I believe I know the answers to these questions because I know you, the American people, and I know this: We are a great nation because we are good people," he added.
Biden characterized the 2024 election as a fight to save democracy and asserted that nothing can stand in its way.
"I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America's future, all merited the second term. But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambitions. So, I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. This is the best way to unite our nation," Biden said.
He also emphasized that Americans must come together to protect the country.
"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,'" he stated.
Biden concluded by reiterating that Americans are a great nation because we are good people.
"When you elected me to this office, I promised to always level with you, to tell you the truth. The truth, this sacred cause of our country, is greater than any one of us, who cherish that cause. We should unite to protect it," he said.
Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race
Last Sunday, July 21, President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race, stating that this decision is in the country's best interest.
As his replacement, he has suggested current Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate.
Following this announcement, several members of the Republican Party have urged Biden to resign from the presidency immediately. However, the White House has dismissed this possibility.
