He gave a rare Oval Office address to the nation, explaining why he dropped out of the presidential race.
Last updated: Thursday, July 25, 2024 1:56AM GMT
President Joe Biden addressed the nation Wednesday for the first time since dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.
During a rare Oval Office address to the nation, President Joe Biden said it's best to pass the "torch to a new generation."
"The defense of democracy is more important than any title," Biden said. "Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. And that includes personal ambition."
Said Biden, "I revere this office, but I love my country more."
In his address, he explained why he dropped out of the presidential race and outlined what he hopes to do in his remaining six months in office.
In the meantime, Vice President Kamala Harris is pushing ahead with campaigning for president days after Biden's decision.
With enough delegates secured to become the presumptive Democratic nominee if they keep to their pledges, Harris has held her first campaign rallies. At his first rally since Biden's announcement, Donald Trump attacked Harris while talking to voters in South Carolina.
Biden delivers prime-time address on decision to exit 2024 race
Watch the video player below for the president's full remarks.
President Joe Biden, in a rare Oval Office address to the nation, spoke extensively for the first time on his decision to withdraw from the 2024 race.
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'Thank you, Mr. President. I love you, Dad,' Hunter Biden says
President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, is reacting to his father's decision to drop out of the race saying he has looked at his father "in awe" for his entire life.
President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden leave Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Johns Island, S.C., after attending a Mass, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022.
"How could he suffer so much heartache and yet give so much of whatever remained of his heart to others?" Hunter Biden said in a statement Sunday.
"Over a life time I have witnessed him absorb the pain of countless everyday Americans who he's given his personal phone number to, because he wanted them to call him when they were hurting. When their last hopes were slipping through their hands," he said.
Hunter Biden said his father's unconditional love has been his North Star as a president and parent
"He is unique in public life today, in that there is no distance between Joe Biden the man and Joe Biden the public servant of the last 54 years," Hunter Biden said.
"I'm so lucky every night I get to tell him I love him, and to thank him. I ask all Americans to join me tonight in doing the same. Thank you, Mr. President. I love you, Dad," he wrote.
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Celebrities react to Biden dropping out of race
Celebrities from across the entertainment spectrum, including Cher and Jon Stewart are weighing in on President Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the 2024 race for president applauding Biden's decision.
Talk show host and comedian Stewart reacted to the news with a one-word post on X shortly after President Biden's announcement.
"Legend," wrote Stewart, seemingly reacting to Biden's decision to leave the race, as well as his decades of public service.
Cher also commented on Biden's decision.
"Hadn't Seen TV/Talked 2 Anyone,So Didn't Know It Had Happened," wrote Cher, who had urged Biden to "pass the baton" on X moments earlier. "I Believe Its Only Chance 4:us: 2 Remain DEMOCRACY. DEM PARTY MUST 'REALLY,' 'REALLY' THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. 'WINNING IS ALL',DONT WIN CANT CHANGE ANYTHING & THE TIMES THEY MUST BE A CHANGIN," she wrote.
