On Wednesday night, President Joe Biden addressed the nation after his surprising decision to withdraw from the presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. In a speech delivered from the Oval Office, Biden emphasized that “the defense of democracy is more important than any title” and shared his plan to serve out the remainder of his term.
The president expressed his motivation for serving the American people, stating, “I draw strength, and find joy, in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about ‘We the People.
Biden went on to explain his rationale behind endorsing Harris and passing on the torch to a new generation, saying, “I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation.” Following his isolation at his Delaware beach house and recovery from COVID-19, Biden returned to Washington on Tuesday.
Amid increasing pressure from both inside and outside of his inner circle, the president felt “isolated, frustrated, and angry,” as reported by NBC News. Sources within the administration revealed that Vice President Kamala Harris, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, and Campaign Chair Jen O’Malley Dillon were not among those who spent time with Biden during his period of isolation.
Multiple advisers cautioned that there was no clear path to victory for Biden, as per NBC News. Former White House official Cedric Richmond commented on the situation, saying, “It became a no-win situation, a self-fulfilling prophecy.” Loyalists to Biden expressed frustration over Democratic Party members calling on him to step down instead of rallying behind him.
CNN analyst Bakari Sellers revealed that he had been in contact with several Democratic lawmakers and operatives who were angered by the manner in which President Joe Biden’s departure from the race unfolded, as reported by Fox News. These individuals feel that powerful figures within the party pushed for Biden to step aside, raising questions about what may become of Vice President Kamala Harris’ political future.
New health concerns and conspiracy theories emerged when President Biden called into now-Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign headquarters on Monday to express his support for her candidacy. Despite not being seen in public since the announcement of his withdrawal from the race, Biden reassured former campaign staffers in Wilmington, Delaware that he would be out on the campaign trail with Harris and that his mission had not changed at all.
Biden emphasized his commitment to working hard both as a sitting president and in campaigning alongside Kamala Harris, asserting that “we still need to save this democracy and Trump is still a danger to the community, he’s a danger to the nation.” He concluded by stating that he would do whatever Kamala needs him to do, further emphasizing his dedication to the success of their joint efforts.
