Last updated on August 28th, 2024 at 11:48 am
Biden Calls for Unity and New Leadership
Biden made a point to underline that, in effect, he withdrew from the 2024 race to unite his party and the country. “It is a moment in history to pass the torch to younger voices,” he said during an address steeped in history from the Oval Office.
“The defense of democracy, which is at stake, is more important than any title,” said the 81-year-old in his first televised address since his unexpected decision.
A Time for New Voices
He spoke of the urgent need for fresh leadership to help the fissures in US politics to heal.
Biden dropped his bombshell on Sunday after weeks of pressure from his own Democratic party, following a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump that had sparked fears about his age and mental acuity.
An Appeal for Coming Together
With the iconic Resolute Desk for a setting, Biden called for an end to political division and insisted the United States is stronger than “any dictator or tyrant.”
“There’s a time and place, a time and place for older voices, new voices, fresh voices. Yes, even younger voices. And that time, that time, and place is now,” Biden said in conclusion.