US President Joe Biden said on Thursday he was “passing the torch to a new generation”, as he addressed the nation for the first time since dropping out of the presidential race. Biden said there is a time and place for young voices, as he explained his move to end his re-election bid.
“I have decided that the best way to move forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. This is the best way to unite our country,” the US President said.
On July 21, the 81-year-old Biden publicly announced his exit from the presidential race and named Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. The decision comes nearly a month after his electoral prospects were in jeopardy following his abysmal debate against Trump, where an ignorant Biden spoke haltingly and failed to refute the Republican candidate’s attacks.
There was a rebellion within the Democratic Party against the president, who was seeking re-election, and several senior leaders, including former President Barack Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, pressured him to step down, raising concerns about his suitability for the White House position.
In his Oval Office address, Biden described Kamala Harris as “tough” and “capable” of taking on Donald Trump in the November election.
The president further said, “America must choose between hope and hate.” He said, “Whether we keep our republic or not is in the hands of Americans.”
He promised to serve out the remaining six months of his term, stressing that he has a busy to-do list. The president said he will work to end the war in Gaza, continue to mobilize support for Ukraine, and reform the Supreme Court.