President Joe Biden addressed the nation on Wednesday about his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, saying that the sake of democracy is why he has decided to not run for reelection.
"I revere this office, but I love my country more," Biden said. "It's been the honor of my life to serve as your president, but in the defense of democracy, which is at sake. I think it's more important than any title."
He added that he believes that "America is at an inflection point, one of those rare ones in history, when the decisions we make now determine our fate of our nation and the world for decades to come, America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and vision. We have to decide. Do we still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice and democracy?"
Biden explained that he has realized in recent weeks that "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 married at a second term, but nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy, that includes personal ambition. If I've decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation, that's the best way to unite our nation. You know, there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life. It's also a time and place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now."
He also said what he will focus on during the remainder of his term.
"Over the next six months, I'll be focused on doing my job as president," Biden said. "That means I'll continue to lower costs for hardworking families, grow our economy. I'll keep defending our personal freedoms, on our civil rights, from the right to vote to the right to choose. I'll keep calling out hate and extremism. Make it clear there is no place, no place in America for political violence or any violence, ever period. I'm going to keep, keep speaking out to protect our kids from gun violence."
Biden also praised Harris on her job as vice president, adding that it is up to the American public to elect her president.
"I'd like to thank our great vice president, Kamala Harris. She's experienced. She's tough, she's capable. She's been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people."
Biden concluded, "The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule, the people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands. You just have to keep faith. Keep the faith, and remember who we are. We're the United States of America, and there's simply nothing, nothing beyond our capacity. We do it together. So let's act together. Preserve our democracy."
