For the first time since his Covid-19 infection forced him off the campaign trail, Biden spoke directly to the nation, laying out his reasons for stepping aside and reflecting on his legacy.As he spoke, his family—wife Jill, son Hunter, daughter Ashley, and several grandchildren—were present off-camera, their emotions evident as Biden addressed the nation.
Inside the Oval Office, Biden’s delivery was marked by moments of fumbling and soft-spoken words, but he articulated his commitment to continuing his work for the country in the remaining months of his term.
The 81-year-old President became visibly emotional as he spoke about his personal struggles with a stutter and his modest beginnings. “My fellow Americans, it’s been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years. Nowhere else on earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as President of the United States, but here I am. That’s what’s so special about America,” he said.
The speech was a mix of gratitude and solemnity, with Biden urging his supporters to rally around Harris and continue defending democratic principles. “The defense of democracy is more important than any title,” Biden said, emphasizing the core message of his campaign.
At the White House, hundreds of administration aides gathered for a watch party, with many moved to tears during the speech and cheering as Biden concluded his remarks.
In the Rose Garden afterward, Biden thanked his staff for their unwavering support, sharing a moment of camaraderie and reflection. Then the crew joined other staff out in the Rose Garden, where ice cream – the president’s favorite treat – was being served.
The mood was both celebratory and melancholic as staff members, some visibly weeping, expressed their admiration and respect for the president’s leadership.
Outside the White House gates, supporters held signs proclaiming “We love Joe,” and a brass band played, adding to the emotional atmosphere of the evening. The scene reflected the deep connection between Biden and his supporters, even as the president faced the reality of stepping aside from his re-election bid.
First Lady Jill Biden also took to social media to express her gratitude to supporters and acknowledge the challenging nature of the decision. “To those who never wavered, to those who refused to doubt, to those who always believed, my heart is full of gratitude,” she wrote, highlighting the personal and political trials of the past few months.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed questions about Biden’s health and resignation rumors, saying that Biden’s decision to withdraw was made without regrets and was not influenced by health concerns. She dismissed speculation that Biden might resign before the election to allow Harris to run as an incumbent.
As Biden’s remarks drew to a close, former President Donald Trump, watching from his private jet, criticized the speech on social media, describing it as “barely understandable, and sooo bad!”
Despite the criticism, the focus of the evening remained on the emotional and symbolic end to Biden’s campaign and his hopeful endorsement of Harris as the future of the Democratic Party.