By Ashlee Banks
Special to the AFRO
President Joe Biden addressed the nation for the first time following his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.
On July 24 Biden explained to voters that he decided to abandon his run for reelection to save democracy.
Credit: AP Photo/Evan Vucci
“I revere this office, but I love this country more. It has been the honor of my life to serve as your president,” said Biden. “It’s about we the people…we are a great nation because we are good people.”
During the president’s 11-minute speech, he laid out his accomplishments over the last four years.
“Today we have the strongest economy in the world creating nearly 16 million new jobs, wages are up, inflation continues to come down, the racial wealth gap is the lowest it’s been in 20 years,” said Biden. “I’ve kept my commitment to appoint the first Black woman to the Supreme Court…I also kept my commitment to have an administration that looks like America.”
The Democratic leader also outlined some issues he wants to tackle before leaving office such as reforming the U.S. Supreme Court, ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and cracking down on gun violence in the U.S.
Biden’s speech comes just days after the Democratic president took to social media to announce that he would end his presidential campaign.
Biden stated that although he wanted to run for reelection, it is time to “pass the torch to the next generation.”
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president,” said Biden. “While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country to stand down and to focus on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Biden made his decision after having private conversations with top Democratic leaders who informed him that their odds of winning the U.S. House of Representatives and maintaining control over the U.S. Senate were slim if he stayed in the presidential race.
Following the president’s speech, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, (D-N.Y.-8) stated that Biden had a successful term as president and has made the U.S. “a better place.”
“He passed the torch to all of us. It is now our responsibility to save American democracy,” said Jeffries. “We will.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, (D-N.Y.) thanked the president for his speech.
“Your decision is a great act of patriotism for this country you love so much,” said Schumer. “We have so much more work to do to keep America moving forward with hope and opportunity for all.”
U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown, (D-Ohio-11) stated that Biden’s decision to step down shows that he is a “true” leader.
“True leadership is realizing that public office is not about you, it’s about those you serve and represent,” said Brown. “It has been a profound honor to partner with the Biden-Harris Administration on so many issues and I know that will continue.”
The Ohio lawmaker added that after former President Donald Trump left the Oval Office, Biden “restored decency and democracy to the White House.”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore expressed gratitude for Biden’s leadership over the last four years.
“Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our nation, our democracy, and the American people,” said Moore, to Biden. “I will be forever grateful for your legacy of leadership, from working to secure our rights and strengthen our economy to inspiring new leaders and fighting to unite us all.”
Malcolm Kenyatta, Pennsylvania state representative of 181 district, stated that Biden’s speech was “one of the most important” addresses delivered by a U.S. president.
“Like our first president, George Washington, he freely gives up power for an idea bigger than any one person,” said Kenyatta. “President Biden is patriotism personified and I thank God for him.”
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