President Biden explained his decision to drop his re election
effort in an evening address from the Oval Office.
You may have seen it tonight on Fox.
The president says he now believes passing the torch to
his vice president is the best way to unite the
country.
Foxworth Blake Hanson is in with more on the president's
remarks from earlier this evening.
Blake, Miss Steven Heather.
This was meant to be President Biden's explanation for stepping
aside, especially since that decision was initially revealed in a
letter as the president was isolating with COVID-19.
Now back at the White House, sitting at the Resolute
Desk, the president both outlined his accomplishments and what he
hopes to accomplish next.
But a bulk of the speech seemed aimed at setting
the stakes for the 2024 election.
He pointed back to the words of past presidents and
the duty of Americans to preserve democracy.
And he said nothing is more important than that, including
his personal ambition.
I reviewed 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 it's more important than any title.
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.
It's about we the people.
Among the president's goals for the remainder of his presidency,
he talked about the need to end the war in
Gaza, to continue to push against Putin in Ukraine and
to achieve Supreme Court reform.
And although this was not a campaign speech, he had
kind words for his Vice president, Kamala Harris, the likely
Democratic nominee.
He said now is the time for new voices and
it is time to pass the torch to a new
generation.
He did not address calls to resign that have come
from some on the right.
The White House is adamant the president is fit to
continue his duties even if he decided not to run
for another four year term.
What's yet to be seen is how much of A
public facing role the president will have for the remainder
of his president.
Or will he scale back to give Harris a larger
spot in the limelight?