Biden decides to “pass the torch to the new generation” as he lays out his plan to end his term in his first speech since leaving office

WASHINGTON – President Biden addressed the nation Wednesday night and announced his unprecedented decision to abruptly end his campaign, insisting he will remain president until January despite widespread concerns about his mental health.

“I adore this office, but I love my country more,” the 81-year-old president said. “It has been the honor of my life to serve you as president, but defending democracy – which is at stake – is, in my opinion, more important than any title.”

The president, who has largely disappeared from the public eye since dropping out of the race on Sunday, said he did so to “unite” Democrats, who were divided in November over Biden’s apparent mental decline and his electability chances against Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump.

“When you elected me to this office, I promised to always be honest with you and tell you the truth,” said Biden, who on Sunday endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor at the top of the Democratic ticket.

“In recent weeks, it has become clear to me that I need to unite my party … but nothing can stand in the way of saving our democracy – and that includes personal ambition.”

“That’s why I’ve concluded that the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” Biden continued. “That’s the best way to unite our nation. You know, there’s a time and a place for long experience in public life. There’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices – yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now.”

Biden reviewed a list of priorities for the outgoing administration, including “working to protect our children from gun violence and our planet from the climate crisis.”

“I will call for reform of the Supreme Court because that reform is critical to our democracy,” he said. “You know, I will continue to work to make sure that America remains strong, safe and the leader of the free world.”

Biden acknowledged some of his key legislative accomplishments, including 2021 COVID and infrastructure legislation, as well as bills to fund green energy projects and veterans’ health care.

“We are also securing our border,” Biden claimed – despite consecutive record numbers of illegal border crossings during his first three years in office. “There are fewer border crossings today than when the previous administration left office.”

“In just a few months, the American people will decide the course of America’s future. I have made my choice. I have made my views known,” Biden said.

“I want to thank our great Vice President Kamala Harris. She has a lot of experience. She is tough, she is capable. She has been an incredible partner to me and the leader of our country. Now the decision is up to you, the American people. You make that decision.”

Biden claimed Harris must defeat Republican candidate Donald Trump, the former president, saying, “Whether we keep our republic is now in your hands.”

Biden appeared clearer and more rested than in recent weeks and read clearly from the teleprompter. He appeared unusually tanned and had his white hair combed back and styled.

“I hope you have some idea how grateful I am to all of you,” Biden concluded. “The great thing about America is that it is not kings and dictators who rule, but the people. History is in your hands.”

In his 11-minute speech, Biden made no mention of the fact that he ended his term in office due to a mutiny by leading Democrats who had expressed concern about his mental health.