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.
WABC 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

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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, 11:49 PM GMT

Sen. Mark Kelly dodges questions about possible VP consideration

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly dodged questions from an ABC News reporter Tuesday about whether he received vetting materials for a potential vice presidential ticket.

"This is not about me," he said. "I'm going to be focused on doing everything I can to make sure she is elected because we cannot have a repeat of what we saw between 2016 and 2020."

Kelly is seen as one of the front-runners to be Vice President Harris' running mate, sources have told ABC News.

MORE | Who is Sen. Mark Kelly, a possible Harris VP pick?

FILE - Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., waits to speak during a news conference at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix, Nov. 7, 2022.
FILE - Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., waits to speak during a news conference at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix, Nov. 7, 2022.
ByCheyenne Haslett ABCNews logo
Jul 23, 2024, 11:45 PM GMT

Harris to visit Houston on Thursday

Harris is scheduled to visit Houston on Thursday to deliver the keynote speech at the American Federation of Teachers' 88th national convention, according to the campaign.

"The Vice President's speech to educators from communities throughout the nation is a continuation of her consistent efforts to fight for workers across America, including as Chair of the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment," the campaign said in a statement.

ByFritz Farrow and Sarah Beth Hensley ABCNews logo
Jul 23, 2024, 7:32 PM GMT

Harris chastises Trump, thanks supporters during first rally in Wisconsin

Harris rallied voters in battleground Wisconsin on Tuesday, her first presidential campaign event since securing enough delegate pledges for the Democratic nomination if they keep their word -- and used the rally to sharply frame her race against former President Donald Trump.

Harris attacked Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, on the issue of abortion and Project 2025, the conservative presidential transition blueprint fronted by the Heritage Foundation.

"We'll stop Donald Trump's extreme abortion bans because we trust women to make decisions about their own body and not have the government tell them what to do," Harris said to raucous applause. "And when Congress passes the law to restore reproductive freedoms, as president of the United States, I will sign it into law."

During the rally, Harris touted her previous experience while making a dig at Trump.

"In those roles, I took on perpetrators of all kinds: predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain," she said. "So, hear me when I say, I know Donald Trump's type."

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.