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Biden talks about passing torch in address

He gave a rare Oval Office address to the nation, explaining why he dropped out of the presidential race.

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Last updated: Thursday, July 25, 2024 1:56AM GMT
Biden addresses the nation on decision to exit 2024 race
President Joe Biden addressed the nation Wednesday for the first time since dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.

During a rare Oval Office address to the nation, President Joe Biden said it's best to pass the "torch to a new generation."

"The defense of democracy is more important than any title," Biden said. "Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. And that includes personal ambition."

Said Biden, "I revere this office, but I love my country more."

In his address, he explained why he dropped out of the presidential race and outlined what he hopes to do in his remaining six months in office.

In the meantime, Vice President Kamala Harris is pushing ahead with campaigning for president days after Biden's decision.

With enough delegates secured to become the presumptive Democratic nominee if they keep to their pledges, Harris has held her first campaign rallies. At his first rally since Biden's announcement, Donald Trump attacked Harris while talking to voters in South Carolina.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
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Jul 25, 2024, 1:13 AM

Biden delivers prime-time address on decision to exit 2024 race

Watch the video player below for the president's full remarks.

President Joe Biden, in a rare Oval Office address to the nation, spoke extensively for the first time on his decision to withdraw from the 2024 race.
Jul 23, 2024, 6:15 PM

Who's endorsed Kamala Harris and who hasn't?

Click here for a list of the current Democrats who support her, and a few notable figures who haven't yet.

ByCheyenne Haslett ABCNews logo
Jul 23, 2024, 7:04 PM GMT

Biden makes first appearance since dropping out of the race

Biden briefly spoke with reporters as he boarded Air Force One at Dover Air Base on Tuesday.

The president, who tested negative for COVID-19, said he was "feeling well," and didn't respond to questions about bowing out of the race.

Biden had a mask in hand, which he placed in his pocket after he got out of the car before getting on the plane.

President Joe Biden arrives to board Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base, in Dover, Del., Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
President Joe Biden arrives to board Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base, in Dover, Del., Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base, in Dover, Del., Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base, in Dover, Del., Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

The president gave a salute and a thumbs up as he boarded.

Jul 23, 2024, 6:15 PM GMT

Who's endorsed Kamala Harris and who hasn't?

Click here for a list of the current Democrats who support her, and a few notable figures who haven't yet.

ByAllison Pecorin ABCNews logo
Jul 23, 2024, 5:21 PM GMT

Schumer and Jeffries endorse Harris to be the Democratic Nominee

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's nominee.

"We are brimming with excitement, enthusiasm and unity," Schumer said as he announced that Harris would be the candidate. "She said she would work to earn the support of our party and boy did she do so, in quick order."

The majority of House and Senate Democrats quickly endorsed Harris after President Biden announced he'd abandon his campaign for a second term on Sunday. While both leaders had said they'd spoke to Harris, they had not offered formal endorsements until Tuesday.

ByCheyenne Haslett ABCNews logo
Jul 23, 2024, 5:15 PM GMT

Harris to Indianapolis on Wednesday

The White House has just sent details on two upcoming trips, one for Vice President Kamala Harris this week and one for President Joe Biden next week.

Harris will travel to Indianapolis on Wednesday to attend the biennial convention of one of the nation's largest historically Black sororities. This will be on the heels of her visit to Milwaukee today.

Biden will travel to Austin next Monday, July 29 -- a rescheduled visit to the LBJ Presidential Library for the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. The president didn't go last week, as originally scheduled, in the aftermath of the assassination attempt.

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