President Joe Biden addressed the nation Wednesday to bid farewell to his reelection ambitions and explain what led him to made the stunning decision last Sunday.
Speaking calmly but haltingly at times, the 81-year-old insisted he could have served as president for another four years if he wanted it.
“I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future, all merited a second term,” Biden said.
“But nothing, nothing, can come in the way of saving our democracy, and that includes personal ambition, so I decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.”
He went on to say: “There is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life. There’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices. Yes, younger voices.”
Biden fumbled at times during the 11-minutes speech, having just battled Covid-19, and looked intently at the camera as he delivered the address from the Oval Office, surrounded by his family.
“I revere this office but I love my country more. It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president but the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think is more important than a title.”
