Biden didn't mention former President Donald Trump directly
but hinted at his concerns about Trump, whom he considers a threat to
democracy. Biden's 10-minute speech was an opportunity for him to shape his
legacy as a one-term president. He stated, "Nothing, nothing can come
in the way of saving our democracy," and emphasized that this includes
personal ambition. Biden’s decision mirrors a rare historical moment when
President Lyndon Johnson chose not to run for reelection in 1968 during the
Vietnam War.
Vice President Kamala Harris now has enough support from
Democratic delegates to become the party's presidential nominee, according to a
survey. Biden expressed his deep respect for the presidency but highlighted
his greater love for the country. Earlier, Trump held a rally where he repeated
false claims of voter fraud from the 2020 election, which he lost to Biden.
Trump’s refusal to accept the election results led to the January 6, 2021,
Capitol riot, which Biden called "the worst attack on our democracy since
the Civil War."
Biden's decision to step aside was influenced by a poor
debate performance against Trump a month ago, where he appeared unsteady
and failed to counter Trump's attacks. This led to doubts among
Democrats about Biden's ability to win another term and concerns about his
fitness for office at 81 years old. Despite efforts to regain confidence,
pressure from party leaders and voters pushed Biden to pass the torch to a
younger generation.
In his address, Biden pledged to remain focused on his
presidential duties for the remaining six months of his term, aiming to end
the Israel-Hamas conflict, boost support for cancer research, and push for
Supreme Court reforms. He highlighted the importance of democracy, stating,
"The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule.
The people do."
Biden's legacy will be closely tied to Harris’s
performance in the November election. If she wins, his policy achievements
will likely be secured and expanded. If she loses, Biden may face criticism
for not stepping aside sooner. Nevertheless, Biden expressed his
gratitude for serving as president, reflecting on his journey from a stuttering
child to the Oval Office.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed
that Biden has no plans to resign before the election, making Harris the
incumbent president. She also stressed that Biden's decision to step down
was not related to his health and that he has no regrets about his choice.
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