President Biden says he is "passing the baton" to unite the country

2024-07-25 08:27:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

President Biden says he is "passing the baton" to unite the country

Joe Biden

President Joe Biden said he is passing the baton to a new generation as he explained to Americans his sudden exit from the presidential race during a speech Wednesday night from the White House after a political career spanning more than 50 years.

"I respect this office," said President Biden. "But I love my country more."

Biden, 81, rejected weeks of pressure from Democrats to withdraw from the race for the White House after the disastrous June 27 debate. During an interview after the debate, he said that only "God Almighty" can convince him to withdraw from the race.

“I have decided that the best way forward is to pass the baton to a new generation. This is the best way to unite our country," said President Biden in his address to the nation.

President Biden made the decision days after considering polls predicting that he could lose to Republican Donald Trump in the November election and also damage the chances of winning the elections of Democratic lawmakers.

"The great thing about America is that kings and dictators don't rule here. The people rule. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of ??America is in your hands," said President Biden as he addressed the American people.

These are President Biden's first extended public comments since Sunday, when he announced via social media that he had decided to withdraw from the presidential race for a second term in the White House.

Democrat Biden is the first sitting president not to seek a second term since 1968 when President Lyndon Johnson, under fire for his handling of the Vietnam War, abruptly withdrew from the campaign on March 31.

Mr. Biden joins the list of presidents James K. Polk, James Buchanan, Rutherford B. Hayes, Calvin Coolidge and Harry Truman who decided not to run for a second term.

President Biden faced calls to drop out of the race after his poor showing in the debate against Mr. Trump raised worrying questions about his mental acuity.

However, since he made the decision to withdraw from the race for a second term in the White House, Democrats have expressed support for him, praising his character and work as president.

Mr. Biden said he will focus on his duties as president during his remaining six months in office. He will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday regarding efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza.

This is the fourth time President Biden has addressed the nation from the Oval Office since taking office in January 2021. On July 15, President Biden addressed the nation following the assassination attempt on former President Trump, calling on Americans to calm the rhetoric. political.

Mr. Biden began his political career in 1972, when he was elected to the US Senate at the age of 29, becoming the sixth youngest senator. He will end his term in the White House on January 20, 2025, as the oldest American president when he turns 82.

"Protecting democracy is more important than any title," said President Biden. "I find strength and joy in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our country has nothing to do with me. It's about you. Your families. Your future. It is about 'We the People'", said the President, referring to the declaration of independence.

The candidate of the Republican Party for the White House, Donald Trump, criticized the speech of President Biden. He expressed on the 'TruthSocial' network that the speech of "Imposter Joe Biden in the Oval Office was barely understandable and very weak!" Mr. Trump said that, “Cheat Joe Biden and liar Harris are a great disgrace to America. We have never had a period like this".

White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said early Wednesday that any suggestion of President Biden stepping down before the election, which would allow Ms. Harris to run for president, was "ridiculous."

Spokeswoman Jean-Pierre said President Biden has "no regrets" about his decision to stay in the race as long as he did, or his decision over the weekend to withdraw. She said that President Biden's decision had nothing to do with his health./ VOA