President Biden will mark a momentous turning point in his long political career on Wednesday night with an address from the Oval Office explaining why he dropped out of a bid for a second term and how he plans to spend his final six months in office.
The speech, set to air at 5 p.m. PT, will be carried by major networks and cable outlets and will mark Biden's first extensive remarks on his decision to drop out of the presidential race, which he announced Sunday.
Biden is expected to outline his accomplishments and discuss his goals for the remainder of his term, while also making a case for the American people as to why they should choose Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.
The 81-year-old president said on social media Tuesday that he would address “what lies ahead and how I will finish the job for the American people.”
Last week, Biden had scoffed at the idea of dropping out of the race. In a speech at the NAACP national convention in Las Vegas, he told the audience: “Let me ask you, are you fully committed?” The answer was a resounding “All committed!” To which Biden replied: “Because I am fully committed!”
But just a day later, on July 17, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) joined those calling for Biden to step aside, saying “it’s time to pass the torch” to new Democratic Party leaders. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) also reportedly told Biden she thought he couldn’t win the Nov. 5 election.
Political observers said the views of the two Californians were crucial to Biden’s decision to abandon his rematch with former President Trump. Biden had been in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, recovering from COVID-19 since last Thursday, when he made the decision to withdraw.
He quickly endorsed Harris, saying that choosing her as his running mate in 2020 was “the best decision I ever made.” He added: “It’s time to come together and beat Trump.”
Democratic officials and rank-and-file members quickly rallied around the vice president, making her the all-but-certain presidential nominee when the party holds its convention in Chicago beginning Aug. 19.
Harris also got some good news from her campaign treasurer: She raised $81 million in the 24 hours after Biden announced he would not seek another term, the largest campaign haul during that period in history.
Based on his brief comments on social media before the speech, Biden seemed intent on supporting Harris and reminding people that he is still president.
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said: “This afternoon, I returned to the Oval Office and met with my national security team for the daily intelligence briefing. Serving as your commander in chief remains the greatest honour of my life.”
