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Biden talks about passing torch in address

He gave a rare Oval Office address to the nation, explaining why he dropped out of the presidential race.

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Last updated: Thursday, July 25, 2024 1:56AM GMT
Biden addresses the nation on decision to exit 2024 race
President Joe Biden addressed the nation Wednesday for the first time since dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.

During a rare Oval Office address to the nation, President Joe Biden said it's best to pass the "torch to a new generation."

"The defense of democracy is more important than any title," Biden said. "Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. And that includes personal ambition."

Said Biden, "I revere this office, but I love my country more."

In his address, he explained why he dropped out of the presidential race and outlined what he hopes to do in his remaining six months in office.

In the meantime, Vice President Kamala Harris is pushing ahead with campaigning for president days after Biden's decision.

With enough delegates secured to become the presumptive Democratic nominee if they keep to their pledges, Harris has held her first campaign rallies. At his first rally since Biden's announcement, Donald Trump attacked Harris while talking to voters in South Carolina.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
WTVD logo
Jul 25, 2024, 1:13 AM

Biden delivers prime-time address on decision to exit 2024 race

Watch the video player below for the president's full remarks.

President Joe Biden, in a rare Oval Office address to the nation, spoke extensively for the first time on his decision to withdraw from the 2024 race.
Jul 23, 2024, 6:15 PM

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ByMolly Nagle and Mary Bruce ABCNews logo
Jul 25, 2024, 12:55 AM GMT

Biden speaks to staff after speech amid cheers

Shortly after the president delivered his remarks, massive applause and cheers were overheard pouring out of the White House, where hundreds of staff had gathered to watch their beloved boss deliver his historic address.

Biden sounded as if he were using a microphone to address his staff, starting with "Hello, hello, hello!" and being met with roaring applause.

At one point, it sounded as if the crowd broke into a chant of "Biden! Biden! Biden!"

By Lalee Ibssa ABCNews logo
Jul 25, 2024, 12:49 AM GMT

Trump reacts to Biden speech on Truth Social

Former President Donald Trump made two posts on Truth Social reacting to Biden's speech, calling it "barely understandable, and sooo bad!"

He added that "CROOKED JOE BIDEN AND LYIN' KAMALA HARRIS ARE A GREAT EMBARRASSMENT TO AMERICA"

ABCNews logo
Jul 25, 2024, 12:47 AM GMT

Jill Biden says her 'heart of full of gratitude'

First lady Jill Biden released a statement on X after the speech saying that her "heart is full of gratitude."

"Thank you for the trust you put in Joe-now it's time to put that trust in Kamala. Love, Jill," she said.

ByJohn Parkinson and Justin Gomez ABCNews logo
Jul 25, 2024, 12:47 AM GMT

White House staff, family in Oval Office give president ovation after speech

After the president concluded at 8:12 p.m., he was applauded by staff and family gathered in the Oval Office for about 60 seconds.

First lady Jill Biden and several of the president's grandchildren sat in chairs positioned along the wall to the president's left.

US President Joe Biden delivers a prime-time address to the nation in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
US President Joe Biden delivers a prime-time address to the nation in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Ashley Biden, the president's daughter, sat next to her mother, with her eyes closed, taking several deep breaths during the first few minutes of the address.

The first lady held Ashley Biden's hand towards the end.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and White House Communications Director Ben LaBolt watched from a monitor set up in the back of the room. The president's top advisers, Mike Donilon and Steve Ricchetti, were also at the White House to observe the moment.

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