Introduction : Biden calls his decision

President Joe Biden described his decision to withdraw from
the 2024 presidential campaign as a way to preserve democracy and
“pass the torch to a new generation”

Oval Office on Wednesday

in a speech to the Oval Office on Wednesday night.
In a poignant speech that marked the final chapter of his
presidency and the beginning of a half-century of public service,

Biden acknowledged that he had to sacrifice personal ambitions for
what he believed to be the greater good in order to unify the party.
“I respect that position. But I love my country more,” the president said.

“It has been the honor of my life to be your president,
but it is about protecting our democracy, and more important than any title,
I enjoy working for the American people,” he said.

Biden did not mention Donald Trump by name but sought
to create a sharp contrast with the ambitious former president
who failed to win the election four years ago.

“The great thing about America

is that there are no kings
or dictators who rule here,” Biden said. “People do it.
History in your hands and American ideals in your hands.”

No longer the presumptive Democratic nominee,
Mr. Biden is trying to convince the public that he still has the stamina
and ability to take on Mr. Trump in an election in which he has warned that

democracy itself is in danger . Instead, he is now a lame duck,
throwing his political weight behind Vice President Kamala Harris as
Democrats seek a second political term.

“My record as president,

“As you know, the last few weeks have made it clear that we
must unite our party in this important effort. “My record as president,
my leadership in the world and my vision for America’s future are

all on the same page,” Biden said: I believe he deserves a term,
but nothing and nothing can stand in the way of saving our democracy,
too not personal ambitions. That’s why I think the best way we have

unite our country

decided is the best way to unite our country.”
His speech was his first public address since announcing his
candidacy on Sunday and the first time many Americans have seen

him since he tested positive for Covid-19 last week.
In his speech, which lasted about 11 minutes,
Biden worked on the first blueprint for his own legacy,

touting his accomplishments during his first term while focusing
on the goals he wants to achieve in the remaining months of his term,
including Supreme Court reform. . .

The war in Gaza strengthened US alliances and led to the goal of defeating cancer.
He also defeated his teammate, who now keeps his place on the list.
Harris has experience, Biden said. He’s tough. Talented.

He was an incredible partner for me and the leader of our country.”
“Now the choice is up to the American people,” he added.

Oval Office speeches

Oval Office speeches are historic moments when presidents address
the American people or make important policy statements in times of national crisis.
This is Biden’s fourth time addressing the nation as president.

It was the second time in 10 days that Biden addressed the nation earlier
this month following the assassination attempt on Trump.
He used the platform to highlight Hamas’ attacks on Israel last year

and to praise the passage of a bipartisan budget deal.
Biden, who returned to the White House on Tuesday after testing
negative for the virus after contracting the virus while quarantining

in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, has begun drafting his expected speech,
a person said senior official told CNN.
The president and his longtime communications adviser Mike

Donilon began working on the speech immediately after announcing Biden’s
decision to drop out of the race after three weeks of increasing domestic
political pressure. (Donilon, a former pollster, played a key role

in providing the data that influenced Biden’s decision to resign.)
He also enlisted the help of historian John Meacham in writing the speech.
Ms. Harris, who gained delegates quickly enough to win the Democratic nomination,

began campaigning on Tuesday in the key battleground state of Wisconsin
to counter Mr. Trump. On Wednesday,
he attended an event in Indianapolis before traveling to Houston to see Biden’s speech.