Biden says 'saving democracy' was more important than 'title' in first address after ending re-election bid

While addressing the nation for the first time after ending his re-election bid, US President Joe Biden said that “saving democracy is more important than any title”. In his 11-minute speech, the 81-year-old President insisted that it was time to “pass the torch” to a new generation of leaders.

The powerful speech is believed to have marked the beginning of the closing chapter of Biden’s presidency and half-century-long career in public service. In the address, Biden acknowledged that uniting the party required “sacrificing personal ambition”.

“I revere this office. But I love my country more,” the president said in his speech from the Oval Office on Wednesday. “It’s been the honour of my life to serve as your president. But in defence of democracy, which is at stake – and is more important than any title. I draw strength and I find joy in working for the American people,” he added.

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While Biden did not mention former US President Donald Trump’s name, he attempted to draw a clear contrast with the former president and alluded to the fact that the latter claimed victory in the election he didn’t win. “The great thing about America is, here, kings and dictators do not rule,” Biden said. “The people do. History is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands.”

Biden recalls his policy achievements 

In his address, the American Commander-in-Chief listed out all his policy achievements in the first term and mentioned that his work in the past four years merited a second term.

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“You know, in recent weeks it’s become clear to me that I need to unite my party in this critical endeavor. I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, and my vision for America’s future all merited a second term,” the president averred.

“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. It’s the best way to unite our nation," he added.

The speech marked his first extensive remark on the matter ever since his announcement of not running for the second term. Throughout his presidency and during the re-election campaign, there have been growing concerns about Biden’s age and his mental acuity.

Several Democratic Party members suggested that Biden should not run for the presidency again after his deplorable performance against Trump in the first presidential debate of this year. Biden announced his decision to end the campaign just days after he was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Push for Kamala Harris’ bid

He went on to champion for his Vice President Kamala Harris who will now be taking his place on the ballot if she becomes the Democratic Party nominee. Biden emphasised that Harris is “experienced. She’s tough. She’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country.”

“Now the choice is up to you, the American people,” he added. The president also used the setting to speak about Hamas’ attack on Israel last year and lauded the passage of a bipartisan budget agreement.

What made the speech so poignant was the fact that Biden took time to marvel at his own life story, his journey from a kid with a stutter to being the president of the country.

“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," the veteran politician recalled.

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

It is pertinent to note that the Oval Office addresses have historically been done at serious moments. Over the years, it provided American presidents a platform to address the citizens of the United States at times of national crisis or to make major policy announcements.

This will be the fourth time Biden addressed the nation as a sitting president and the second time he did that in the last 10 days. The last time he addressed the people from the Oval Office was following the assassination attempt on Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.