Historic speech: Joe Biden says he quit presidential race to unite party and country
US President Joe Biden says he ended his re-election bid to unite his party and his country.
In a televised address from the Oval Office, Biden says it’s time to « pass the torch to a new generation » adding that « personal ambition » cannot get in the way of « saving our democracy.”
Biden stepped aside as the Democratic candidate for November’s election and endorsed his Vice-President Kamala Harris on Sunday, following weeks of pressure after his disastrous debate against Donald Trump.
“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. That includes personal ambition,” Biden said in the Oval Office.
“So I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. It’s the best way to unite our nation. You know, there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life. There’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices – yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now.”
The speech came three days after Biden stunned the country with the announcement he would abandon his presidential campaign less than four months before election day. As he contemplated the legacy of his five decades in public life, Biden pledged to keep working to better Americans’ lives as he concludes his first – and now only – term as president. Some Republican lawmakers have suggested Biden should resign rather than finish out his term, but the president firmly rejected those calls on Wednesday.
TANIKO Madagascar 