Biden says he’s ‘passing the torch’ in first speech after dropping out of 2024 race

Biden says he’s ‘passing the torch’ in first speech after dropping out of 2024 raceReuters

Transcript

00:00When you elected me to this office, I promised to always level with you, to tell you the truth.

00:08And the truth, the sacred cause of this country is larger than any one of us.

00:14And those of us who cherish that cause, cherish it so much,

00:19the cause of American democracy itself, must unite to protect it.

00:23You know, in recent weeks, it's become clear to me that I need to unite my party

00:30in this critical endeavor. I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world,

00:38my vision for America's future, all merited a second term. But nothing, nothing can come

00:46in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition.

00:51So I've decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.

00:58That's the best way to unite our nation. You know, there is a time and a place for long years

01:04of experience in public life. There's also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices,

01:11yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now. In just a few months,

01:18the American people will choose the course of America's future.

01:22I made my choice. I made my views known. I would like to thank our great Vice President Kamala

01:29Harris. She's experienced. She's tough. She's capable. She's been an incredible partner to me

01:37and a leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people.