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.
KABC logo
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.

ByJay O'Brien and Lauren Peller ABCNews logo
Jul 22, 2024, 7:18 PM GMT

Jeffries stops short of endorsing Harris yet, says he'll meet with her and Schumer

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stopped short of endorsing Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee yet, but said on Monday that he plans to meet with her and Senate Majority Leader Schumer "in short order."

Jeffries praised Harris, saying: "I'm excited for that meeting. Let me say this -- that Vice President Kamala Harris has excited the community. She has excited the House Democratic Caucus. She's excited the country."

House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks at his weekly press conference on Capitol Hill, Thursday, July 11, 2024, in Washington.
House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks at his weekly press conference on Capitol Hill, Thursday, July 11, 2024, in Washington.

It's not clear when this meeting will occur. "We are waiting on Leader Schumer to get back to town, as well as to get exact confirmation from VP Harris," Jeffries said.

"We owe a debt of gratitude to President Biden for his tremendous leadership, and I'm also thankful for the incredible partnership that he has had for the last three and a half years with Vice President Kamala Harris," Jeffries said.

Jeffries would not say what he and Biden discussed when they recently met privately.

"President Joe Biden is a heroic, patriotic and transformational figure, and he will go down in history as one of the greatest public servants of all time. That much is clear," he said.

ByGabriella Abdul-Hakim, Fritz Farrow and Will McDuffie ABCNews logo
Jul 22, 2024, 7:00 PM GMT

Dem super PAC secures commitments of $150M in withheld donations from after debate

In the last 24 hours Future Forward, the preferred super PAC that previously backed President Biden's reelection bid and now Harris' election bid, claims it has secured commitments of $150 million from donors who were threatening to withhold their donations after Biden's debate performance, according to a senior aide at Future Forward.

The super PAC had already reserved $250 million in TV and digital advertising earlier this year.

"Future Forward will continue working to make sure Donald Trump is defeated in this election and those dangerous consequences are never felt by the American people," the senior aide told ABC News.

BySelina Wang ABCNews logo
Jul 22, 2024, 6:19 PM GMT

Biden to campaign 'aggressively' with Harris in battleground states when doctor clears him: Source

President Biden plans to campaign in battleground states "very aggressively" with Vice President Harris as soon as the doctor gives him the COVID "all-clear," according to a senior administration official.

Biden tested positive for COVID last week.

The president will first return to the White House, then will hit the trail in the coming weeks to campaign for and with Harris, the source added.

FILE - Vice President Kamala Harris embraces President Joe Biden after a speech on healthcare in Raleigh, N.C., March. 26, 2024.
FILE - Vice President Kamala Harris embraces President Joe Biden after a speech on healthcare in Raleigh, N.C., March. 26, 2024.

The president is still expected to deliver remarks later this week and meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. The timing of all of this, the source said, is dependent on Biden's COVID recovery. But the source said they are "hopeful" it will be later this week.

The source added that they want to make sure Biden's "voice" is ready to go and that he can clearly deliver his message.

The senior administration official emphasized that Biden is still "going to finish the job" and that his priorities will remain the same. Part of finishing that job, this person added, is making sure Harris gets elected.

Another official said the president is still "full steam ahead" on his legislative priorities.

Jul 22, 2024, 5:33 PM GMT

Nancy Pelosi endorses Kamala Harris

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi issued a statement Monday officially endorsing Kamala Harris for President of the United States.

"Today, it is with immense pride and limitless optimism for our country's future that I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States. My enthusiastic support for Kamala Harris for President is official, personal and political.