WASHINGTON — In his first address to the nation since leaving the campaign, 81-year-old US President Joe Biden delivered an Oval Office speech Wednesday night outlining his historic decision to step down as the Democratic nominee in this November’s election and hand over the torch to Kamala Harris.
US President Joe Biden told Americans on Wednesday that he has dropped out of the 2024 election to unite his party and country, saying in a historic Oval Office speech that it was time to give the torch to “younger voices.”
In his first television statement since his surprise decision, the 81-year-old praised his “tough” and “capable” Vice President, Kamala Harris, 59, who is expected to be the new Democratic presidential contender.
“The defense of democracy, which is at stake, is more important than any title,” Mr. Biden added. “I’ve determined that the best way forward is to pass the baton to the next generation. That is the finest method to unite our country.”
On Sunday, Biden pulled out of the campaign later than any other president in US history, succumbing to weeks of Democratic pressure after a terrible debate performance against Donald Trump raised worries about his age and mental capacity.
Using the hugely symbolic backdrop of the Resolute Desk, Biden’s address called for an end to political differences in the United States and stated that the country was stronger than “any dictator or tyrant.”
The senior Democrat stated that there was a “time and place for new voices, fresh voices.” Yes, young voices. And the time and place are now.”
‘LUNATIC’
Biden also denied allegations that he will be a lame duck for the final six months of his one-term presidency.
“Over the next six months, I will be focused on doing my job as president,” he said, adding that he will continue to work to reduce costs for families and safeguard liberties such as the right to abortion.
Biden’s withdrawal has upended Trump’s campaign, which had previously focused on the president’s age and mental acuity. Now it is Trump, 78, who is the oldest candidate in US history.
Trump hit back at Harris in a harsh broadside at a rally in North Carolina, his first since she secured enough delegates to become the de facto Democratic nominee on Monday.
“She is a radical left lunatic who will destroy our country,” he said, describing her as the “ultra liberal driving force behind every single Biden catastrophe.”
Trump further stated that Harris advocated for “abortions in the eighth and ninth months of pregnancy,” as well as “the execution of a baby right up until birth and even afterwards.”
He accused Harris of covering up Biden’s “mental unfitness,” claiming that Democratic Party bosses were driving his decision to stand down.
‘RIDICULOUS’
Earlier Wednesday, the White House denied hiding any apparent impairment in Biden’s health prior to his decision to withdraw from the presidential race.
“This is not a cover-up. I understand that is the narrative you all want. It is false,” Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, adding that Biden’s choice has “absolutely nothing to do with his health.”
Biden returned to the White House on Tuesday after spending nearly a week with Covid at his Delaware beach home, a period of isolation during which he chose to pull back.
Republicans have called for Biden’s resignation, claiming that if he is not fit to run for reelection, he is unable to serve as president.
Jean-Pierre denounced such as “ridiculous” and insisted that Biden is not a “lame duck.”
Biden says he still has more to give, such as pursuing a Middle East peace treaty, a legacy-defining goal pursued by many previous US presidents.
Biden, who has been increasingly critical of Israel’s military assault in Gaza, will visit Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday.
However, as a reminder of how swiftly things are changing, Netanyahu will meet separately with Harris on the same day.
Meanwhile, Trump is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday at the Republican’s Florida club, Mar-a-Lago.
