US election campaign - Biden's bitter speech: Respect the office, but love my country more
In an emotional speech to the nation, US-President Joe Biden signaled the end of his long political career and demonstrated eagerness for his remaining six months in office. "I reverence this office, but I love my country more," said the 81-year-old. The best way to unite the country, he suggested, was "to pass the baton to a new generation." The Democrat outlined his political legacy in a significant speech that bore some resemblance to a farewell address, praising his vice president Kamala Harris as a viable successor: "She has experience. She is tough. She is capable."
The significant speech from the Oval Office of the President followed chaotic weeks in the US election campaign. In late June, Biden delivered a lackluster performance in a TV debate against his Republican challenger Donald Trump. For the Democrats, it was the beginning of the end of Biden's political career. The appearance was so disastrous that a debate about his fitness for the presidency ensued in the US. More and more party members called for his withdrawal from the race for the White House. Biden clung to power. The country held its breath as Trump was injured in an attack about two weeks ago.
Biden: Ambition should not obstruct the rescue of Democracy
However, the pressure on Biden eventually became too great, and he pulled the trigger over the weekend and stepped down as a candidate, endorsing Harris instead. His speech was the first genuine public appearance since his withdrawal. Biden struck thoughtful tones in his address. "It is the privilege of my life to have served this nation for over 50 years," he said. "Nowhere else in the world can a child with a stuttering problem from humble backgrounds ascend to the highest office in the government." "Here I am. That's what makes America exceptional," he added.
"We are a nation of promises and possibilities, of dreamers and doers, of ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things." He had dedicated his heart and soul to the nation, as so many others had. In return, he had been blessed with the love and support of the American people. "I hope you have a sense of how grateful I am to all of you." At the same time, he warned: "Nothing, not even personal ambition, must obstruct the rescue of our democracy." The remarkable thing about America, he noted, was that there were no "kings and dictators" in charge.
A heavy farewell
Speeches of this caliber from the Oval Office are reserved for crisis moments and great upheavals in the country. It was the fourth such address in Biden's presidency since January 2021. Most recently, he had addressed the nation ten days ago following the attack on his predecessor and longtime political adversary Trump in this manner. The current presidential campaign with its dramatic turns is a testament to this.
The speech would not have pleased the full-blooded politician in Biden. "I believe my achievements as President, my leadership role in the world, and my vision for the future of America deserve a second term," Biden candidly admitted. According to US media, Biden's advisors confronted him with poll results indicating that the Democrats had lost key states in the November election that they had previously considered safe. This reportedly moved Biden to change his mind. In a TV interview a few weeks ago, he had still said that only God could persuade him to withdraw. Now, it seemed, the numbers spoke for themselves.
Politicians with heart and soul
The lawyer began his political career in the city council of Wilmington in the state of Delaware. eventual represented the state almost four decades in the US-Senate, until he moved in as Joe Biden's Vice President into the White House in 2009. In 1988 and 2008, Biden himself had run for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination - unsuccessfully. In 2000, his life dream was finally fulfilled - he won the election against Trump and became President of the United States. His life was marked by fateful events. He lost his first wife and their daughter in a car accident. His son Beau died in 2015 from a brain tumor.
Biden made it clear that he would not be running for another term, but he had big plans for the remaining six months in office. He would continue to fight against gun violence, called for Supreme Court reform, and confirmed his intention to make the NATO defense alliance stronger and more united. The business of government hit 81-year-old Biden hard on this Thursday. A meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on the schedule, who is currently on a visit to the US. The relationship reached a low point during the Gaza War.
Tears and Applause
On a Wednesday evening (local time), numerous employees gathered in the White House to watch Biden's speech. CNN journalist Dana Bash reported that this was likely the most important speech Biden had ever wanted to avoid. Among the staff, tears were reportedly shed, and there was a big applause at the end.
Biden's family was also present during the speech in the Oval Office. His loved ones are said to be his closest confidants and have encouraged him to stick with his candidacy for a long time. Biden's wife Jill published a handwritten letter on social media. "Thank you for the trust you have placed in Joe - it's time to trust in Kamala now", she wrote.
Campaign goes dirty
A stark contrast to Biden's serious speech was Trump's campaign appearance in North Carolina. The Republican took aim at his new political opponent Harris and called her a "radical left nutjob" who would destroy the country. Trump also did not spare Biden. The reaction of the Republicans to Biden's speech showed this as well. "Joe Biden's speech from the Oval Office was barely understandable, and sooo boring!", Trump wrote.
The US Democrats voted on Wednesday to have Harris officially nominated as the presidential candidate virtually before the party convention in mid-August. If only one person runs, an electronic vote could start as early as August 1. If there are multiple candidates, the voting would start a few days later. The background is concerns about deadlines in the states about when the parties must certify their candidates.
- With Kamala Harris as his chosen successor, the US-President Joe Biden signaled the end of his political career, emphasizing the importance of democracy and passing the baton to a new generation.
- The US-election campaign in recent weeks was fraught with chaos, with a lackluster performance by Biden in a TV debate against his Republican challenger Donald Trump raising questions about his fitness for the presidency.
- In her speech, Vice President Kamala Harris was hailed by Biden as a viable successor, praising her experience, toughness, and capability as qualities that make her a strong leader.
- The upcoming US Election 2024 is expected to be a significant campaign, with both major parties gearing up for what promises to be a heated and intense contest for the White House.
- Republican challenger Donald Trump, in response to Biden's decision to step down as a candidate, labeled Harris a "radical left nutjob" who would destroy America, revealing the stark political differences between the two parties.
- In a statement released on social media, Jill Biden, the First Lady, expressed her support for Harris, encouraging the American people to trust in her as the next president of the United States of America.
- The Democratic Party, in a virtual vote, officially nominated Kamala Harris as the presidential candidate, paving the way for a historic moment as the United States prepares for its first female president.
- The government of the United States, under the leadership of Kamala Harris, is set to face numerous challenges and opportunities in the coming months, with policy changes and international relations taking center stage in the US election campaign.
