Biden says he’s 'passing the torch to a new generation' to defend democracy

YEREVAN, JULY 25, ARMENPRESS. U.S. President Joe Biden, in his first public remarks since ending his re-election bid, said on Wednesday he pulled out of the race against Republican Donald Trump over concerns about the future of U.S. democracy, explaining he was stepping aside to allow a new generation to take over.

“I revere this office, but I love my country more… Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition. So, I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That’s the best way to unite our nation,” Biden said.

He praised Vice President Kamala Harris, who, after his endorsement, secured enough Democratic delegates to become the Democratic nominee in his place.

"She's tough. She's capable. She's been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country," Biden said.

In his speech the U.S. president, according to Reuters, referred to the danger he believes Americans face if Trump wins the Nov. 5 election, without mentioning Trump by name.

“The great thing about America is, here, kings and dictators do not rule,” Biden said. “The people do. History is in your hands; the idea of America lies in your hands.”

During his 11-minute speech, Biden, according to CNN, worked to shape the first draft of his own legacy, heralding his first-term accomplishments while looking ahead to goals he hopes to achieve in his remaining months in power, including Supreme Court reform, ending the war in Gaza, upholding American alliances and working toward his cancer-ending moonshot.

“We’ll keep rallying a coalition of proud nations to stop [Russian President Vladimir] Putin from taking over Ukraine and doing more damage. We’ll keep NATO stronger, and I’ll make it more powerful and more united than at any time in all of our history. I’ll keep doing the same for allies in the Pacific,” he said.

Biden is the first incumbent president not to seek reelection since 1968 when Lyndon Johnson, under fire for his handling of the Vietnam War, abruptly pulled out of the campaign on March 31.