“I respect this office, but I love my country more,” the 81-year-old president said in his first extended public address in prime time from the Oval Office about his decision on Sunday to step down and support Vice President Kamala Harris, clarifies The New York Post. “It has been the honor of my life to be your president, but protecting the democracy that is at stake is more important to me than any title,” explained the head of the White House, who has remained virtually absent from public appearances since he dropped out of college while recovering from COVID-19.
Biden said he resigned to “unite” Democrats who are divided over his cognitive abilities and electability against Republican nominee former President Donald Trump. “When you elected me to this position, I promised to always be straight with you, to tell you the truth,” Biden said, though he did not directly acknowledge or express concerns about his apparent mental decline in the 11-minute speech. “It has become clear to me over the past few weeks that I need to unite my party … but nothing can stand in the way of saving our democracy, including personal ambitions,” he explained. “So I decided that the best way forward is to pass the baton to a new generation. This is the best way to unite our nation.”
Biden touted some of his key legislative accomplishments, including 2021 COVID-19 and infrastructure legislation, as well as bills funding green energy projects and veterans health care. “We’re also securing our border,” Biden said, despite a back-to-back record of illegal crossings during his first three years in office. “In just a few months, the American people are choosing the course of America’s future. I’ve made my choice. I’ve made my views known,” Biden said, reiterating his support for Harris, 59. “I’d like to thank our wonderful Vice President Kamala Harris. She’s experienced. She’s strong. She’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. Now the choice is yours, the American people.”
Biden appeared more coherent and rested than he had in weeks, speaking clearly as he read from a teleprompter. He appeared unusually tanned and had white hair slicked back and combed, observers noted. Biden spoke as Republicans including House Speaker Mike Johnson, the No. 3 figure in the American political hierarchy, called for his resignation as president over concerns about his mental health. That led top Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and former President Barack Obama, to effectively force him out, pointing to disappointing poll numbers. Republicans have targeted Harris, arguing that she likely knew and withheld information about Biden’s poor health before his poor performance in the June 27 debate, which ignited a Democratic revolt against him.
