US President Joe Biden says it has been the “honour of (his) life” to serve in the office, but that the “defence of democracy” is more important than his title.
“I revere this office, but I love my country more,” he said.
Biden addressed the US from the Oval Office in his first lengthy public remarks since his withdrawal from the presidential race.
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“In recent weeks it has become clear to me that I need to unite my party in this critical endeavour,” he said.
“I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future, all lead to a second term, but nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition.
“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.”
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Without mentioning Republican rival Donald Trump, Biden said the US was at an “inflection point”.
“One of those rare moments in history where the decisions we make now determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come,” he said.
“America will have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, unity and division.”
He urged people to see those they politically disagreed with not as enemies but as “fellow Americans”.
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Biden called for “new, fresh voices” in US politics, and, acknowledging apprehension about his age that helped end his presidential campaign, for “younger voices”.
“Over the next six months, I will be focused on doing my job as president,” he said.
He outlined his priorities for the remainder of his term to be lowering the cost of living, defending civil rights, calling out “hate and extremism”, including political violence.
He said he would “keep fighting to end cancer” and even flagged a call for reform to the US Supreme Court.
“I will keep working to ensure America remains strong, secure and the leader of the free world,” he said.
More to come.
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