Biden says he's stepping down from the 2024 contest to safeguard democracy

President Joe Biden, addressing the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday evening, described his choice to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race as an effort to protect democracy and to “pass the torch to a new generation.”

"I revere this office, but I love my country more. The defense of democracy is more important than any title," Biden said. "I draw strength and find joy in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about "We the People.”

“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule," he said. "The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.”

This speech, delivered three days after he announced his decision, marks the start of Biden's efforts to define his legacy following a poor debate performance in late June. That debate performance led many within his party to urge him to step down and let another candidate challenge Trump. Democrats felt Biden’s stumbling debate and subsequent attempts to recover from it made his re-election prospects untenable.

Biden ended his re-election campaign early Sunday afternoon, sharing the news on X, and shortly afterward, he endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, for the Democratic presidential nomination.

In his 11-minute address, Biden aimed to outline his legacy, celebrating his first-term achievements and setting forth goals for his remaining time in office, such as Supreme Court reform, ending the war in Gaza, maintaining American alliances, and advancing his initiative to end cancer.

He also expressed strong support for his vice president, who will now lead the Democratic ticket.

"She’s experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable," Biden said. "She’s been an incredible partner to me and leader for our country."

Biden said Wednesday night that his record "merited a second term."

But, he said, "nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition."

“It has been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years. Nowhere else could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as president of the United States.”

“Here I am,” he added. “That’s what’s so special about America.”

Biden vowed to continue pursuing his agenda until a new president takes office on January 20.

“Over the next six months I will be focused on doing my job as president," he said. "That means I will continue to lower costs for hard-working families and grow our economy. I will keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights — from the right to vote to the right to choose.”

Oval Office addresses are traditionally serious occasions for presidents to speak to Americans during national crises or to announce major policies. This was Biden's fourth Oval Office address as president, and his second in just 10 days, following his recent speech about the assassination attempt on Trump. He has also used the Oval Office to discuss Hamas’ attack on Israel last year and to celebrate the passage of a bipartisan budget agreement.