TIME TO SAY BYE-DEN
Biden family breaks down in tears after president’s landmark address that left voters with ‘more questions than answers’
Ex presidential rival Donald Trump also chimed in with his verdict on the speech
JOE Biden's family broke down in tears as the president addressed the nation on Wednesday night, officially marking an end to his career just days after dropping out of the election.
Biden, 81, vowed to "pass the torch" after weeks of insisting he was the only candidate to beat former President Donald Trump in the 2024 race.
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Nearly 40 people were in the Oval Office as Biden delivered his address, including First Lady Jill Biden, their children, Hunter and Ashley, and their grandchildren.
Two advisers who spoke with the president as he decided to leave the 2024 race were also present.
"The defense of democracy is more important than any title," Biden told viewers.
"I draw strength, and find joy, in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about ‘We the People.’"
He spoke for barely 15 minutes, his voice still hoarse after testing positive for Covid-19 last week.
Biden then listed his goals for the rest of his presidency including lowering prices, growing the economy, and defending the rights of Americans.
"I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation," he said.
"It’s the best way to unite our nation. I know there was a time and a place for long years of experience in public life.
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"There’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now."
Biden added that for the next six months, he will continue to do his job as president.
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"I'll keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights from the right to vote to the right to choose," said Biden.
"I'll keep calling out hate and extremism and make it clear there is no place, no place it's in America for political violence or any violence."
During the address, he also reflected on his presidency and spoke briefly on his bid for a second term but admitted it was in the best interest of the country to end his campaign.
"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 the defense of democracy, which has a stake, I think is more important than a title."
The Biden family applauded the President after his address while some wiped away tears.
The first lady quickly went to her husband's side after the speech, joining him at the Resolute Desk.
President Biden's speech comes as:
- A renowned scholar said Joe Biden must pave the way for Kamala Harris in the final months of his presidency.
- Elon Musk shoots down claims that he's giving $45 million a month to Donald Trump.
- Kamala Harris' first rally as the presumptive nominee for the Democratic party.
- Joe Biden gives a thumbs up in first appearance since dropping out of the presidential race
- Kamala Harris' campaign raises a record $81 million in 24 hours after Biden drops out
- Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigns after security failings during assassination attempt on Donald Trump
- Joe Biden condemns police shooting of Sonya Massey, urging Congress to take action
Hunter soon followed, hugging his father before his daughter, Finnegan, and Biden's daughter, Ashley, gave their own hugs.
Finnegan wiped away tears as she turned away from her grandfather.
Ashley's husband, Howard Krein, was present along with Biden's other grandchildren, including Naomi Biden Deal and her husband Peter Neal, Maisy Biden, and Hunter Biden - the son of the President's late son, Beau Biden.
Staff members were there as well, including Biden's longtime aide Mike Donilon, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, and deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini.
"This has been the honor of a lifetime," Biden told them.
First Lady Jill Biden after the President's address that was shared on social media.
"To those who never wavered, to those who refused to doubt, to those who always believed, my heart is full of gratitude," read the note.
Jill also extended support to Harris.
"Thank you for the trust you put in Joe - now it's time to put that trust in Kamala. Love, Jill."
VOTERS STUMPED
Some felt that the President's 11-minute speech fell short, especially given it comes after historically dropping out of the election.
"Biden left the American people tonight with more questions than answers," Tennessee Representative Scott DesJarlais.
"His abrupt exit from the race is either because his party convinced him he couldn’t win or his health and cognition is such that he should no longer be president—and I don’t think they’re mutually exclusive."
Another person called the speech "awkward," adding that it didn't answer any of their questions.
A third person it "pointless," writing, "He didn’t answer any relevant questions. For example, why the h**l did you drop out?"
Former US Assistant Attorney General Jeff Clark that Biden should have been questioned on his decision to drop out, insisting Americans need answers as to why he wasn't.
"We have no explanation of that," he said. "We need it. We're owed it."
KAMALA'S TIME
Biden also offered praise to Vice President Kamala Harris, who he endorsed shortly after dropping out of the race.
Harris secured enough delegate endorsements to become the presumptive presidential nominee for the Democratic party on July 22, just a day after Biden withdrew his bid.
"In just a few months, the American people choose the course of America’s future," Biden said in his address.
Joe Biden's full letter announcing his withdrawal from campaign
On Sunday, July 21, 2024, 46th US president Joe Biden posted a letter X, formerly known as Twitter, announcing he's stepping down from the 2024 presidential race.
My Fellow Americans,
Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a Nation.
Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We've made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We've provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.
I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We've protected and preserved our Democracy. And we've revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world.
It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.
I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.
For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.
I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can't do - when we do it together.
We just have to remember we are the United States of America
"I made my choice. I’ve made my views known. I want 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 leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people: You make that choice."
Harris' campaign raised more than $81 million in donations in just 24 hours and she is expected to inherit around $91 million in leftover campaign funds.
She has also received support from major names, including the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.
Pelosi endorsed Harris in a statement on Monday, writing that she had "limitless optimism for our country’s future."
TRUMP REACTS
After Biden's speech on Wednesday, Trump shared his reaction on his social media platform Truth Social.
"Crooked Joe Biden's Oval Office speech was barely understandable and sooo bad!" he .
He called Biden and Harris a "great embarrassment to the US.
"There has never been a time like this!"
VP Kamala Harris' full statement as Biden drops out of 2024 race and endorses her
“On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country. His remarkable legacy of accomplishment is unmatched in modern American history, surpassing the legacy of many Presidents who have served two terms in office.
“It is a profound honor to serve as his Vice President, and I am deeply grateful to the President, Dr. Biden, and the entire Biden family. I first came to know President Biden through his son Beau. We were friends from our days working together as Attorneys General of our home states. As we worked together, Beau would tell me stories about his Dad. The kind of father—and the kind of man—he was. And the qualities Beau revered in his father are the same qualities, the same values, I have seen every single day in Joe’s leadership as President: His honesty and integrity. His big heart and commitment to his faith and his family. And his love of our country and the American people.
“With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else.
“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.
“We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”
Throughout Biden's speech, he failed to mention the former President, however, he made several references to Trump.
"The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule," said Biden.
"The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America – lies in your hands."
The remark was a reference to the Supreme Court decision, ruling that the former president has impunity only for "official acts" as commander in chief earlier this month.
NEXT STEPS
With Biden out of the race, Harris is primed to be officially named as the Democratic nominee at the Democratic National Convention next month.
The event will be held at the United Center and McCormick Place in Chicago Illinois, from August 19-22.
Although many Democrats were quick to endorse Harris, she must still receive a formal nomination.
Democrat Party officials said they will seek to pick a candidate by August 7 - before the convention as some states have deadlines to place a candidate on the ballot before the general election.
"Working with the Convention Rules Committee, the Democratic Party is prepared to shift the nominating portion of the Convention to an electronic format to ensure that our Democratic nominees for President and Vice President are certified before state ballot access deadlines," party officials wrote in a memo on Monday per .
The convention is expected to bring 50,000 visitors to Chicago with an estimated 15,000 reporters and about 5,000 delegates.
If the party doesn't choose a new nominee before the convention, the Democrats will hold an "open" convention - which hasn't been done since 1968.
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In an open convention, contenders persuade delegates to vote for them.
Before dropping out, Biden had the support of 3,896 delegates, however, his delegates didn't transfer to Harris through his endorsement.
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