President Biden addressed the nation for the first time since withdrawing from the 2024 presidential election, shedding light on his decision and his plans for the remaining months in office.
President Biden appeared before the nation on Wednesday from the Oval Office, delivering a speech that marked the end of his political career. The address followed his announcement on Sunday that he would not seek a second term, a decision that shocked many and raised questions about the future of the Democratic Party.
"Tomorrow evening at 8 PM ET, I will address the nation from the Oval Office on what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people," Biden posted on his Twitter account on Tuesday.
Biden's Departure from 2024 Race Marks Historic End to Political Career
His speech on Wednesday shed additional light on his departure from the race, after he and his allies had vowed for weeks that he would remain in the election cycle and was determined to win. Since the end of World War II, only three incumbent presidents, all Democrats, have declined to run for a second term: Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, and Biden.
Biden's announcement came after mounting pressure from his Democrat allies and the media to bow out of the race following his botched debate performance against former President Trump on June 27. The debate reignited concerns about Biden's mental acuity, marking the beginning of a pressure campaign among Democrats to oust him in favor of a candidate they believed would be better suited to take on Trump.
Biden's Departure from 2024 Race Marks Historic End to Political Career
The pressure only intensified following an assassination attempt on Trump's life during a rally in Pennsylvania and the Republican National Convention, where Trump was certified as the Republican Party's nominee.
Shortly after his announcement, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to pick up the mantle and make a run for the party's nomination. As of Tuesday, Harris had enough delegates to lock up the nomination, which will be certified by the DNC next month.
Biden's Departure from 2024 Race Marks Historic End to Political Career
Biden's address on Wednesday focused on his accomplishments during his time in office and his plans for the remaining months of his presidency. He emphasized the importance of unity and bipartisanship, calling on Americans to work together to address the challenges facing the nation.
"I know that we can do anything if we work together. So let's get to work," Biden said.
Biden's Departure from 2024 Race Marks Historic End to Political Career
The address marked the end of an era in American politics, as Biden prepares to leave office after decades of public service. His decision to withdraw from the 2024 race leaves the Democratic Party with a void to fill and raises questions about the future of the party's leadership.
