It has now been confirmed that Joe Biden will no longer run for president. He has now given an address to the nation.
After his letter of resignation, incumbent US President Joe Biden (81) gave his eagerly awaited TV speech to the nation. In the approximately eleven-minute speech, the 81-year-old not only explained the reasons that led to the withdrawal of his candidacy in the upcoming US elections. He also made it clear how he would like to shape the remaining six months of his presidency.
After beginning his speech by listing some of the most important presidents of the United States, he declared: “I adore this office, but I love my country more.” He would have loved to serve another four years as president. But for the sake of “defending the democracy that is at stake, I consider this more important than any title.”
Although he never mentioned the name of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (78), it was very clear who he was referring to in the following passage of his speech: “America must choose whether it wants to go forward or backward. Between hope and hate, between unity and division. We must decide whether we still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice and democracy.”
Now more than ever, he said, it is important to strive for unity and not to see people who disagree “as enemies.” He ultimately withdrew from the election campaign in the spirit of unity within his Democratic Party. “That is why I have decided that the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation.”
What will happen until the end of his term in office?
When he announced that he would not run for a second term, there was public speculation about an early departure as US President. However, Biden will not take this step, as he announced in his speech. He will therefore “focus on doing my job as President over the next six months”. In addition to fighting hatred and for self-determination, this also includes combating the climate crisis, which Trump and many of his party colleagues repeatedly deny publicly.
At the end of his speech, Biden emphasized once again that he had given his heart and soul to the USA. Not only as president, but during the 50 years he served in various offices. He also praised his now running Vice President Kamala Harris (59), describing her as “experienced, tough, and capable. She has been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. Now the choice is yours, the American people.”
