The upcoming election in November is poised to be a critical turning point for the United States, according to outgoing President Joe Biden during his first public address since deciding not to seek re-election and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his potential replacement. In an emotional speech from the Oval Office on Wednesday evening, the 79-year-old leader expressed his determination to unify the Democratic Party and “pass the torch to a new generation.
Biden acknowledged that he loves his country more than the office he holds, stating that despite having a record as president, global leadership and a vision for America’s future that merits another term, nothing should come before safeguarding democracy. This includes personal ambition, implying that he will not let his desire for a second term cloud his judgment.
The President emphasized the importance of the election, where Kamala Harris is set to face off against former Republican President Donald Trump. He reiterated his initial reason for running for office, stating that the “soul” and the very nature of America are at stake in this election. This sentiment echoes his 2019 presidential campaign, when he argued that the country’s core values were under threat.
Bowing to pressure from high-ranking Democrats and significant party donors, who claimed that Biden was no longer capable of defeating Trump, the President announced his withdrawal from the race last Sunday, naming Kamala Harris as his chosen successor. It is expected that she will be officially declared the Democratic nominee during the Democratic National Convention next month.
On the other side of the aisle, Republicans have been calling for Biden’s resignation from the presidency, with House Speaker Mike Johnson stating that if everyone agrees that he cannot run an effective campaign, he is not capable of running the country. This growing concern over Biden’s age and health has only increased after his recent disastrous performance during a televised debate with Trump, where he appeared disoriented and struggled to complete his sentences.