Passing The Torch To New Generation: Joe Biden On Quitting US Presidential Race

US President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that he had withdrawn from the 2024 election to unify his party and the nation. In a historic Oval Office address, Biden, 81, expressed it was time to pass leadership to "younger voices." He praised Vice President Kamala Harris, 59, who is now the Democratic presidential nominee.

Biden spoke about the importance of defending democracy over holding any title. "I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation," he stated. His speech aimed to end political divisions and highlighted America's strength against "any dictator or tyrant."

Support from Family

In a show of support, most of Biden's family watched him deliver his speech from the Oval Office. His wife Jill and daughter Ashley held hands near the end of his remarks. Also present were his son Hunter and several grandchildren. Jill Biden later posted a letter on X thanking "those who never wavered" and urged trust in Kamala Harris.

Biden's decision came after weeks of pressure following a poor debate performance against Donald Trump, raising concerns about his age and mental sharpness. He bowed out later than any other president in US history, using the symbolic setting of the Resolute Desk for his announcement.

Trump's Reaction

Donald Trump, who had initially called for unity after surviving an assassination attempt on July 13, criticised Biden's speech harshly. "Crooked Joe Biden's Oval Office speech was barely understandable, and sooo bad!" Trump said on social media. Republicans have demanded Biden step down entirely, questioning his fitness for office.

Biden insisted he would not be a lame-duck president and pledged to focus on economic issues and foreign policy for the remainder of his term. "Over the next six months I will be focused on doing my job as president," he affirmed.

Campaign Dynamics

The US election campaign continues without Biden. In his first rally since Harris secured enough delegates to become the Democratic nominee, Trump targeted her as his "new victim." He accused Harris of being a "radical left lunatic" who would ruin the country and claimed she was hiding Biden's "mental unfitness."

Meanwhile, Harris campaigned in Indianapolis, addressing a Black college sorority with a message about fighting for the nation's future. Earlier, the White House denied any cover-up regarding Biden's condition.

A key goal for Biden remains achieving a peace deal in the Middle East—a legacy-defining ambition pursued by many US presidents before him. On Thursday, he meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Netanyahu will also meet with Harris separately that day and with Trump in Florida on Friday.

Biden concluded by stressing there was a "time and place for new voices, fresh voices. Yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now." His withdrawal has disrupted Trump's campaign strategy which had focused on Biden's age and mental acuity.