US President Joe Biden has given his first public address, since stepping down as the democratic presidential nominee and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.
Speaking from the oval office inside the white house, Biden explained the momentous decision he made only three days ago. He also began to talk about his legacy, and let the American people know that he still has plans for the six months he has left serving as president.
“It’s been the honour of my life to serve as your president,” said Biden. “But this sacred task about perfecting our union is not about me, it’s about you.”
He went on to say that he thinks “America is at an inflection point”, where voters will have to choose between “unity and division” as well as decide whether “character in public life” still matters.
“We are a great nation because we are a good people,” he said, before going on to address his decision to stop campaigning for a second term as president.
“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. So I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.”
“There’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, and yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now.”
Biden has served in US politics for almost 50 years, first being elected to the Senate in 1972.
There’s still about six months left in his presidential term, which he said he’ll use to continue to fight for reproductive rights, supreme court reform, climate action and safety against gun violence.
He then went on to list his achievements as president, including building infrastructure, lowering the cost of prescription drugs for seniors, and appointing a diverse administration as well as the first black woman to the supreme court.
As the November election draws near, Biden told American citizens that “whether we keep our republic is now in your hands”, adding, in alliterative terms, that he sees the US as “a nation of promise and possibility” as well as “of dreamers and doers”.
While never mentioning Trump by name, Biden seemed to allude to him frequently. Particularly in regards to Trump’s hush money conviction being dismissed by the recent Supreme Court ruling that ex-Presidents have some immunity from prosecution.
“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule, the people do.”
“Now the choice is up to you, the American people,” he said. “Let’s act together and preserve our democracy.
In closing, Joe Biden thanked Vice President, Kamala Harris, who he described as “experienced, tough, capable, and an “incredible partner to me and a leader for our country”.
Kamala Harris held her first campaign rally in Milwaukee on Tuesday afternoon. This followed the confirmation on Monday that she had secured the support of enough Democratic party delegates at its national convention next month to win the nomination for November’s election.