President Joe Biden on Wednesday made his first public appearance since ending his bid for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination over the weekend. In a televised address from the Oval Office, Biden framed his decision to step aside as a matter of protecting democracy. “I revere this office, but I love my country more.
It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your President, but in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think is more important than any title,” said the president. “I draw strength and I find joy in working for the American people, but this sacred task of perfecting our union, it’s not about me, it’s about you, your families, your futures,” he continued, before emphasizing the importance of the upcoming election: “I ran for President four years ago because I believed and still do, that the soul of America was a stake. The very nature of who we are is at stake.
” He added: “The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule, the people do. History is in your hands, the powers in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands. You just have to keep faith.
Keep the faith, and remember who we are.” On Sunday, Biden issued a public letter on his official social media accounts, writing that “it has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to .