US President Joe Biden told Americans on Wednesday that he was withdrawing from the 2024 election to unite the country. In a historic speech from the Oval Office, he said it was time to pass the torch to “younger voices.”
Biden says it's time to pass the torch to 'younger voices' in Oval Office speech • FRANCE 24
“I respect this office. But I love my country more,” the 81-year-old said in an elegiac prime-time address to the nation, urging his divided country to embrace democracy and shun hate.
“The defense of democracy, which is at stake, is more important than any title,” Biden said. “I have decided that the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation.”
In his first televised address since his stunning decision, Biden also praised his Vice President Kamala Harris, 59, who will be the new Democratic presidential nominee.
