President Joe Biden delivered a forthright address to the nation on Wednesday night, where he explained that it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation following his announcement on Sunday that he is suspending his campaign for a second term and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket.
Biden opened by invoking the nation’s founding fathers to touch on his respect for the presidency and the nation. However, he said, democracy is at stake in this election cycle, and referenced the preamble to the U.S. Constitution in saying that creating a more perfect union lies with the people, not its leader, and that the November election will determine the course of the nation for decades to come.
“In recent weeks, it’s become clear to me, I need to unite my party in this critical endeavor,” Biden said. “I believe my record as President, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future, all merit 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. That’s the best way to unite our nation.
“You know, there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life. There’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now,” he added.
Over the next six months, as he closes out his one-term presidency, Biden said he will work on several issues that the nation has been facing over the past four years: combatting inflation, fighting for civil liberties and the right to choose and combatting extremism. He also mentioned that he will be taking action on the nation’s highest court.
“I’m going to call for Supreme Court reform, because this is critical to our democracy… I will keep working to ensure America remains strong, secure and the leader of the free world,” he said.
Toward the end of his address, BIden mentioned Voce President Harris, the presumptive nominee for the presidency now the he has dropped out and endorsed her.
“She’s experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me and the leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people,” he said.
Harris spoke on Wedensday at the biennial convention of Zeta Phi Beta, the predominantly Black sorority that is part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council — know as the Divine Nine.
Biden signed off by telling the American public that the power to keep democracy is in their hands.
“The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do,” he said. “History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands. We just have to keep faith. Keep the faith, and remember who we are. We’re the United States of America, and there’s simply nothing, nothing beyond our capacity. We do it together. So let’s act together and preserve our democracy.