Biden explains the reason for withdrawing from the race for the first time: passing the torch

[New Sancai Compilation First Release] On the evening of July 24, US President Joe Biden explained to Americans for the first time the reasons for his sudden withdrawal from the 2024 presidential campaign in a speech delivered in the Oval Office.

Biden has been in politics for more than 50 years. He said, "I respect this office, but I love my country even more."

Biden, 81, has resisted weeks of pressure from Democrats to step down after a disastrous debate performance on June 27, at one point saying only "God Almighty" could convince him to step down.

"I decided the best way forward was to pass the torch to a new generation. That's the best way to unite our country," Biden said.

Biden's decision came after days of soul-searching and the pain of internal polling. Democratic colleagues.

"The great thing about America is that kings and dictators don't rule. The people rule. History is in your hands. Power is in your hands. The idea of America is in your hands," Biden will reportedly say in the speech. extract.

It will be Biden's first lengthy public address since bowing to pressure from fellow Democrats and announcing his decision not to seek re-election on November 5 via social media on Sunday.

Biden is the first sitting president not to seek re-election since 1968, when Lyndon Johnson abruptly dropped out of the race on March 31 amid criticism for his handling of the Vietnam War.

Biden also joins James K. Polk, James Buchanan, Rutherford B. Hayes, Calvin Coolidge, and Harry Truman as president, all of whom decided not to run for office. Two terms.

Biden has faced calls to step down after a poor performance in a debate with Trump that raised questions about his mental acuity.

Since he stepped down, however, Democrats have rallied around him, paying tribute to his character and record as president.

Earlier in the evening, a group of staffers walked into the White House to watch the speech together. An official said the White House is holding a reception and "watch party" for Biden's speech.

The White House has denied Biden has any cognitive issues, despite his recent increase in verbal gaffes.

Biden said he would focus on the job of the presidency during the remaining six months of his term. He will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to discuss efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza.

This is the fourth formal occasion for Biden to use the Oval Office since taking office in 2021. Down to the political rhetoric.

In 1972, at the age of 29, Biden was elected to the Senate and became the sixth youngest senator in the United States, beginning his political career. He will end his term in the White House on January 20, 2025, when he will be 82 years old and become the oldest U.S. president.

"Defending democracy is more important than any title," Biden said. "I draw strength and find joy in working for the American people." But the sacred task of perfecting our alliance has nothing to do with me. This is about you. your family. your future. This is about "We the People".

(Compiled by: Wang Jimin)

(Editor: Jiang Qiming)

(Source of the article: Compiled and published by New Sancai)