For the first time since President Joe Biden’s campaign-ending debate performance in June, he seems to have satisfied his party’s expectations.
“I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future, all merited a second term,” Biden said, sitting behind the Resolute desk. “But nothing, nothing, can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition. So I decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.”
The overwhelming pressure was finally off of the president as he addressed the nation from the Oval Office. The scrupulous and unrelenting media focus on Biden’s campaign has been redirected to Vice President Kamala Harris’ near-certain ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket. Anxious Democrats and opportunistic Republicans who have been fixated on every Biden stutter and gaffe had less reason to hang on every word.
No longer expected to carry his party’s hopes of winning in November, Biden didn’t need to quell concerns about being an octogenarian. This time, he did precisely what the majority of Democratic voters wanted him to do — pass the torch.
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“There’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices,” Biden said. “And that time and place is now.”
Biden did, however, take the opportunity to shoot down his Republican critics who have called on him to resign from office entirely, outlining plans for his next six months in office. Though he spoke in sweeping terms, his agenda includes tackling gun safety, Supreme Court reform, climate change and ending the war in Gaza.
While Biden did not explicitly reiterate his endorsement of Harris during the speech (he endorsed her on Sunday), he made clear he supports her bid and thanked her for her role as his vice president.
“She’s tough, she’s capable,” he said. “You’ve been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country.”
Ultimately, Biden focused more on his own legacy than on Democrats’ path toward victory on Election Day. While invoking presidents from Abraham Lincoln to Franklin Delano Roosevelt as well as historical giants like Martin Luther King Jr. throughout his address, Biden framed his presidency as a triumph of American ideals and himself as a champion for democracy.
“We’re a nation of promise and possibility. Of dreamers and doers, of ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things,” Biden said. “I give my heart and my soul for our nation like so many others. I got blessed many times in return with the love and support of the American people.”
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Riley Rogerson is a reporter at NOTUS.
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