“The best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation”: Biden explains decision to drop out of the race

In an 11-minute speech from the Oval Office of the White House, which is reserved only for major announcements and moments of crisis, President Joe Biden delivered on Wednesday night the reasons for stepping down from his reelection campaign and endorsing Kamala Harris for the national elections on November 5th.

The President of the United States had announced via social media last Sunday his decision not to run for a second term, but he had to wait a few days before addressing the nation because he was confined at his beach house in Delaware, due to Covid-19, and only resumed his official duties in Washington yesterday.

Biden talked about "saving democracy"

The president began by saying, "It has been the honor of my life to serve as your President. But in defense of democracy, which is what is at stake, is more important than any title. I find strength and joy in working for the people. But this sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me. It is about you. About your families. About your futures."

In a sober tone, Joe Biden asserted that “America is at an inflection point. We must choose between moving forward or backward. Between hope and hate. Between unity and division. We have to decide: Do we still believe in honesty, decency, and respect? In freedom, justice, and democracy?”

To achieve that goal, the President of the United States added: "In recent weeks, it became clear that I needed to unite my party in this critical task. I believe that my track record, my leadership, and my vision for our future deserved a second term, but nothing can stand in the way of saving our democracy. And that includes personal ambition. So I have decided that the best way to move forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation".

After that, he explained his support for his Vice President Kamala Harris by saying, “she is experienced, tough, capable. She has been an incredible partner for me and a leader for our country”.

In his speech, Biden never directly mentioned Donald Trump.

What’s next for Joe Biden?

The president set his main goals for the next six months. "I will continue to reduce costs for working families and grow our economy. I will continue to defend our personal freedoms and civil rights, from the right to vote to the right to choose. I will continue to draw attention to hatred and extremism, and make it clear that there is no place in America for political violence, or any violence, ever," he said.

Next to the famous Resolute desk where he delivered his speech, Joe Biden was accompanied by his wife, Jill, as well as his children, Ashley and Hunter. The latter, who is awaiting his sentence, tried to hide that he was addicted to drugs when he bought a gun.