Biden Defends Democracy in Speech From Oval Office
President Joe Biden has delivered his first address for the first time since announcing his decision not to run for reelection. Paramountly, President Biden said in the Oval Office that saving democracy is more important than any title, and he acknowledged it was time to "pass the torch" to a new generation of leaders.
Recall that years ago, Mr. Biden called himself a transitional candidate, and listed Vice President Kamala Harris among the younger generation of leaders he saw as the future of the Democratic Party. Now is the time to make way for those newer, younger voices, he said, like that of Harris, whom he has endorsed for the nomination.
"I revere this office," he said. "But I love my country more."
“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation," added Mr Biden, who has been in public office for over half a century. "That is the best way to unite our nation."
The president vowed to "finish the job for the American people" before the end of his term in January next year and called Ms Harris, 59, an "experienced, tough, capable" partner.
Although Biden believed his record warranted a second term, he admitted that "nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy". "That includes personal ambition".
"The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands."
As they were being ushered out of the room, the White House press corps heard applause from family members and staff as the president spoke softly.
Mr Biden did not mention the three weeks of mounting pressure he had faced from top Democrats and donors to step aside in the wake of his disastrous debate performance against Trump late last month.
Here is a full transcript of the President's address
"My fellow Americans, I’m speaking to you tonight from behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. In this sacred space, I’m surrounded by portraits of extraordinary American presidents. Thomas Jefferson wrote the immortal words that guide this nation. George Washington, who showed us presidents are not kings. Abraham Lincoln, who implored us to reject malice. Franklin Roosevelt, who inspired us to reject fear.
I revere this office, but I love my country more.
It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president. But in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it’s more important than any title.
I draw strength and I 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, and we can never forget that. And I never have.
I’ve made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point, one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine our fate of our nation and the world for decades to come.
America is going to have to 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, respect, freedom, justice and democracy? In this moment, we can see those we disagree with not as enemies, but as fellow Americans. Can we do that? Does character in public life still matter?
I believe you know the answer to these questions because I know you, the American people, and I know this, we are a great nation because we are a good people.
When you elected me to this office, I promised to always level with you, to tell you the truth. And the truth, the sacred cause of this country, is larger than any one of us, and those of us who cherish that cause cherish it so much, a cause of American democracy itself must unite to protect it.
You know, in recent weeks it’s become clear to me that I needed to unite my party in this critical endeavor. I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future all merited a second term, but nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy, and that includes personal ambition."
