FULL SPEECH: President Joe Biden gives address after dropping out of 2024 election

Summary

President Biden delivers a heartfelt address from the Oval Office, reflecting on American values and his presidency. He emphasizes the importance of democracy, unity, and public service. Biden highlights significant achievements, including economic growth, climate action, and global leadership. Acknowledging the need for fresh leadership, he announces his decision not to seek re-election, passing the torch to a new generation. He commends Vice President Kamala Harris and urges Americans to safeguard democracy, stressing that the nation's future is in their hands. Biden concludes with gratitude and a call for unity and collective action.

Takeaways

• 🇺🇸 President Biden speaks from the Oval Office, highlighting the significance of past presidents and their contributions.
• 🗽 Emphasizes the importance of democracy and the responsibility of the American people in preserving it.
• 🗳️ Announces his decision not to seek a second term to unite the nation and pass the torch to a new generation of leaders.
• 💼 Reaffirms his commitment to lowering costs for families, growing the economy, and defending personal freedoms and civil rights.
• 🛡️ Vows to continue fighting against hate, extremism, and political violence.
• 🔫 Pledges to protect children from gun violence and address climate change as an existential threat.
• 🌍 Highlights foreign policy achievements, including supporting Ukraine, strengthening NATO, and addressing conflicts in Gaza and the Middle East.
• 🏛️ Calls for Supreme Court reform to protect democracy.
• 🇺🇸 Reflects on the progress made during his presidency, including economic growth, job creation, and healthcare expansion.
• 🤝 Expresses gratitude for the support of the American people and emphasizes the power of collective action to preserve democracy.

Q & A

What is the main theme of President Biden's speech?

The main theme is the defense of democracy and the need for unity and strong leadership to preserve it.

Why does President Biden reference past American presidents in his speech?

He references past presidents like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin Roosevelt to highlight the enduring principles and values that guide the nation.

What significant decision does President Biden announce in his speech?

President Biden announces his decision to pass the torch to a new generation, implying he will not seek re-election to focus on uniting the nation and protecting democracy.

What are some of the achievements President Biden highlights from his tenure?

He mentions lowering costs for families, growing the economy, defending personal freedoms, reducing gun violence, climate action, Supreme Court reform, and international leadership.

How does President Biden describe the current state of the American economy?

He describes it as the strongest economy in the world, with 16 million new jobs created, rising wages, and decreasing inflation.

What personal commitment does President Biden reiterate to the American people?

He reiterates his commitment to always level with the American people and tell them the truth.

What does President Biden say about the role of Vice President Kamala Harris?

He praises Vice President Kamala Harris as experienced, tough, capable, and an incredible partner and leader.

What historical reference does President Biden make to emphasize the importance of democracy?

He references Benjamin Franklin's quote, 'A republic, if you can keep it,' to emphasize the responsibility of the American people to preserve their democracy.

How does President Biden view the current global political climate?

He sees it as critical, mentioning the importance of stopping Putin's aggression in Ukraine, maintaining strong alliances, and working for peace in the Middle East.

What vision does President Biden have for America's future?

His vision includes continuing economic growth, safeguarding freedoms and rights, reducing violence, addressing climate change, and ensuring America remains a global leader.

What is President Biden's message to the American people regarding their role in democracy?

He urges Americans to act together, preserve democracy, and keep faith in the nation's ideals and capacities.

Outlines

00:00

🇺🇸 Presidential Reflection and Commitment

President Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office, surrounded by portraits of past American presidents. He emphasizes the sacred duty of the office, his deep love for the country, and the importance of democracy. He reflects on America's pivotal moments and the need to choose between unity and division. Biden stresses honesty, decency, and democracy as core values and highlights the achievements and challenges during his presidency. He announces his decision to pass the torch to a new generation, emphasizing the need for fresh, younger voices in leadership.

05:01

🌍 Continued Global Engagement and Domestic Achievements

Biden outlines his ongoing efforts in global diplomacy, including strengthening alliances in the Pacific, countering China, and addressing the Gaza conflict. He highlights the progress made since his inauguration, such as economic recovery, job creation, reducing the racial wealth gap, and leading in innovation. Biden also underscores his administration's achievements in healthcare, veteran support, climate action, gun safety, and judicial appointments. He reiterates his commitment to democracy, equality, and the enduring American spirit of possibility and resilience.

10:02

✨ Gratitude and the Power of Democracy

Biden expresses his heartfelt gratitude to the American people for their support throughout his career. He celebrates the unique qualities of America, where ordinary citizens can achieve extraordinary things, and underscores the power of democracy. Biden calls on Americans to preserve their republic, keep faith in their ideals, and work together to ensure a prosperous future. He concludes with a reminder of the strength and potential of the United States, urging unity and collective action to protect democracy and maintain the nation's greatness.

Keywords

💡Inflection Point

An inflection point is a moment of significant change or a decisive moment. In the script, President Biden describes America as being at an inflection point where the decisions made now will determine the nation's future. This emphasizes the critical nature of current choices and their long-term impact.

💡Democracy

Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people. President Biden stresses the importance of defending democracy, highlighting it as a central theme of his presidency and the nation's core value. He underscores the need for unity and the protection of democratic principles against threats.

💡Unity

Unity refers to the state of being united or joined as a whole. In the script, President Biden calls for Americans to see those they disagree with as fellow citizens rather than enemies, promoting unity over division. This is crucial for preserving the democratic values and strength of the nation.

💡Personal Freedom

Personal freedom is the liberty of individuals to exercise their rights without oppression. President Biden commits to defending personal freedoms and civil rights, including the right to vote and the right to choose, as part of his administration's priorities to ensure justice and equality.

💡Supreme Court Reform

Supreme Court reform involves changes to the structure or functioning of the Supreme Court. Biden calls for this reform as essential to democracy, suggesting that current issues within the court system need addressing to maintain fairness and justice.

💡Climate Crisis

The climate crisis refers to significant changes in global weather patterns and the environmental impact of human activities. Biden highlights combating climate change as a priority, describing it as an existential threat and emphasizing actions taken to address it, such as significant climate laws.

💡Economic Growth

Economic growth is the increase in the production of goods and services over time. President Biden mentions the creation of 16 million new jobs and rising wages as indicators of a strong economy. He underscores the importance of continued economic policies to maintain and enhance this growth.

💡Public Health

Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. Biden refers to the achievements in healthcare, such as beating the pandemic and lowering prescription drug costs, as examples of his administration's focus on enhancing public health.

💡Foreign Policy

Foreign policy refers to a government's strategy in dealing with other nations. Biden discusses his efforts to maintain international alliances, prevent conflicts, and promote global security, showcasing his administration's active role in global diplomacy and conflict resolution.

💡American Ideals

American ideals are the fundamental beliefs and values that define the United States, such as freedom, equality, and democracy. Biden emphasizes these ideals throughout his speech, calling on Americans to uphold them and work together to ensure the nation's continued adherence to these principles.

Highlights

President Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office, emphasizing the importance of the location's history and the portraits of past presidents.

He highlights the guiding principles of democracy, such as rejecting malice, fear, and political violence.

Biden announces his decision not to seek re-election, stating the need to pass the torch to a new generation.

He emphasizes the importance of honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice, and democracy.

Biden stresses the significance of unity and seeing political opponents as fellow Americans, not enemies.

He highlights his administration's achievements, including economic recovery, job creation, and lowering inflation.

Biden discusses the importance of Supreme Court reform and defending personal freedoms and civil rights.

He reaffirms his commitment to addressing the climate crisis and continuing the fight against cancer.

Biden notes the historic nature of his presidency, being the first in this century to report that the U.S. is not at war.

He speaks about maintaining strong international alliances, including NATO, and supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Biden expresses pride in the achievements in gun safety legislation and the historic climate law.

He highlights the administration's efforts in healthcare, including lowering prescription drug costs for seniors.

Biden talks about the progress made in reducing the racial wealth gap and increasing access to healthcare.

He praises Vice President Kamala Harris for her experience, toughness, and leadership.

Biden concludes by emphasizing the importance of preserving democracy and the power of the American people to shape the future.

Transcripts

FIGHT FOR HIS VICE PRESIDENT.

LET'S LISTEN TO PRESIDENT BIDEN.

>> MY FELLOW AMERICANS, I'M

SPEAKING TO YOU TONIGHT FROM

BEHIND THE RESOLUTE DESK IN THE

OVAL OFFICE.

IN THIS SACRED SPACE, I'M

SURROUNDED BY PORTRAITS OF

EXTRAORDINARY AMERICAN

PRESIDENTS.

THOMAS JEFFERSON WROTE THE

IMMORTAL WORDS THAT GUIDE THIS

NATION.

GEORGE WASHINGTON SHOWED US

PRESIDENTS ARE NOT KINGS.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN EMPLOYED US TO

REJECT MALICE.

FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT EVINSPIRED U

TO REJECT FEAR.

I REVERE THIS OFFICE, BUFT I LOE

MY COUNTRY MORE.

IT'S BEEN THE HONOR OF MY LIFE

TO SERVE AS YOUR PRESIDENT.

BUT IN DEFENSE OF DEMOCRACY,

WHICH IS AT STAKE, IT'S MORE

IMPORTANT THAN ANY TITLE.

I DRAW STRENGTH AND FIND JOY IN

WORKING FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE,

BUT THIS IS A CREDIT TASK OF

PERFECTING OUR UNION IS NOT

ABOUT ME.

IT'S ABOUT YOU, YOUR FAMILIES,

YOUR FUTURES.

IT'S ABOUT WE THE PEOPLE.

WE CAN NEVER FORGET THAT.

I NEVER HAVE.

I'VE MADE IT CLEAR THAT I

BELIEVE AMERICA'S AT AN

INFLECTION POINT.

ON THOSE RARE MOMENTS IN

HISTORY, WHEN THE DECISIONS WE

MAKE NOW DETERMINE THE FATE OF

OUR NATION AND THE WORLD FOR

DECADES TO COME, AMERICA'S GOING

TO HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN MOVING

FORWARD OR BACKWARD, BETWEEN

HOPE AND HATE, BETWEEN UNITY AND

DIVISION.

WE HAVE TO DECIDE DO WE STILL

BELIEVE IN HONESTY, DECENCY,

RESPECT, FREEDOM, JUSTICE AND

DEMOCRACY 6789.

IN THIS MOMENT WE CAN SEE THOSE

WE DISAGREE WITH NOT AS ENEMIES,

BUT AS FELLOW AMERICANS.

CAN WE DO THAT?

DOES CHARACTER IN PUBLIC LIFE

STILL MATTER?

I BELIEVE I KNOW THE ANSWER TO

THESE QUESTIONS BECAUSE I KNOW

YOU, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, AND I

KNOW THIS, WE ARE A GREAT NATION

BECAUSE WE ARE GOOD PEOPLE.

WHEN YOU ELECTED ME TO THIS

OFFICE, I PROMISED TO ALWAYS

LEVEL WITH YOU, TO TELL YOU THE

TRUTH.

THE TRUTH, THE SACRED CAUSE OF

THIS COUNTRY IS LARGER THAN ANY

ONE OF US.

THOSE OF US WHO CHERISH THAT

CAUSE, CHERISH IT SO MUCH, THE

AMERICAN DEMOCRACY ITSELF.

WE MUST UNITE TO PROTECT IT.

IN RECENT WEEKS IT'S BECOME

CLEAR TO ME I NEED TO UNITE MY

PARTY IN THIS CRITICAL ENDEAVOR.

I BELIEVE MY RECORD AS

PRESIDENT, MY LEADERSHIP IN THE

WORLD, OUR VISION FOR AMERICA'S

FUTURE, ALL MERITED A SECOND

TERM.

BUT NOTHING, NOTHING, CAN COME

IN THE WAY OF SAVING OUR

DEMOCRACY.

THAT INCLUDES PERSONAL AMBITION.

SO I'VE DECIDED THE BEST WAY

FORWARD IS TO PASS THE TORCH TO

A NEW GENERATION.

IT'S THE BEST WAY TO UNITE OUR

NATION.

YOU KNOW, THERE'S A TIME AND A

PLACE FOR LONG YEARS OF

EXPERIENCE IN PUBLIC LIFE.

THERE'S ALSO A TIME AND A PLACE

FOR NEW VOICES, FRESH VOICES,

YES, YOUNGER VOICES.

THAT TIME AND PLACE IS NOW.

OVER THE NEXT SIX MONTHS I'LL BE

FOCUSSED ON DOING MY JOB AS

PRESIDENT.

THAT MEANS I'LL CONTINUE TO

LOWER COSTS FOR HARD-WORKING

FAMILIES, GROW OUR ECONOMY.

I'LL KEEP DEFENDING OUR PERSONAL

FREEDOMS AND OUR CIVIL RIGHTS

FROM THE RIGHT TO VOTE TO THE

RIGHT TO CHOOSE.

I'LL KEEP CALLING OUT HATE AND

EXTREMISM, MAKE IT CLEAR THERE

IS NO PLACE IN AMERICA FOR

POLITICAL VIOLENCE OR ANY

VIOLENCE EVER, PERIOD.

I'M GOING TO KEEP SPEAKING OUT

TO PROTECT OUR KIDS FROM GUN

VIOLENCE, OUR PLANET FROM

CLIMATE CRISIS AS THE

EXISTENTIAL THREAT.

I'LL KEEP FIGHTING FOR MY CANCER

MOON SHOT TO END CANCER AS WE

KNOW IT BECAUSE WE CAN DO IT.

I'M GOING TO CALL FOR SUPREME

COURT REFORM BECAUSE THIS IS

CRITICAL TO OUR DEMOCRACY,

SUPREME COURT REFORM.

YOU KNOW, I'LL KEEP WORKING TO

ENSURE AMERICA REMAINS STRONG,

SECURE AND THE LEADER OF THE

FREE WORLD.

I'M THE FIRST PRESIDENT IN THIS

CENTURY TO REPORT TO THE

AMERICAN PEOPLE THAT THE UNITED

STATES IS NOT AT WAR ANYWHERE IN

THE WORLD.

WE'LL KEEP RALLYING THE

COALITION OF PROUD NATIONS TO

STOP PUTIN FROM TAKING OVER

UKRAINE AND DOING MORE DAMAGE.

WE'LL KEEP NATO STRONGER AND

I'LL MAKE IT MORE POWERFUL AND

MORE UNITED THAN ANY TIME IN ALL

OF OUR HISTORY.

I'LL KEEP DOING THE SAME FOR

ALLIES IN THE PACIFIC.

YOU KNOW, WHEN I CAME TO OFFICE,

THE CONVENTIONAL WISDOM WAS

CHINA WOULD INEVITABLY SURPASS

THE UNITED STATES.

THAT'S NOT THE CASE ANYMORE.

I'M GOING TO KEEP WORKING TO END

THE WAR IN GAZA, BRING HOME ALL

THE HOSTAGES, BRING PEACE AND

SECURITY TO THE MIDDLE EAST AND

END THIS WAR.

WE'RE ALSO WORKING AROUND THE

CLOCK TO BRING HOME AMERICANS

BEING UNJUSTLY DETAINED ALL

AROUND THE WORLD.

YOU KNOW, WE'VE COME SO FAR

SINCE MY INAUGURATION.

ON THAT DAY I TOLD YOU, AS I

STOOD IN THAT WINTER -- WHERE I

STOOD IN A WINTER OF PERIL AND A

WINTER OF POSSIBILITIES, A PEARL

OF POSSIBILITIES.

WE WERE IN THE GRIP OF THE WORST

PANDEMIC OF A CENTURY.

WE CAME TOGETHER AS AMERICANS.

WE GOT THROUGH IT.

WE EMERGED STRONGER, MORE

PROSPEROUS AND MORE SECURE.

TODAY WE HAVE THE STRONGEST

ECONOMY IN THE WORLD CREATING 16

MILLION NEW JOBS OF RECORD.

WAGES ARE UP.

INFLATION CONTINUES TO COME

DOWN.

RACIAL WEALTH GAP IS THE LOWEST

IT'S BEEN IN 20 YEARS.

WE'RE LITERALLY REBUILDING OUR

ENTIRE NATION, URBAN, SUBURBAN

COMMUNITIES.

WE'RE LEADING THE WORLD IN CHIPS

AND SCIENCE AND INNOVATION.

WE FINALLY BEAT BIG PHARMA TO

LOWER THE COST OF PRESCRIPTION

DRUGS FOR SENIORS.

I'M GOING TO KEEP FIGHTING TO

MAKE SURE WE LOWER THE COST FOR

EVERYONE, NOT JUST SENIORS.

MORE PEOPLE HAVE HEALTH CARE

TODAY IN AMERICA THAN EVER

BEFORE.

I HELPED MILLIONS OF VETERANS

AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO WERE

EXPOSED TO TOXIC MATERIALS.

YOU KNOW, MOST SIGNIFICANT

CLIMATE LAW EVER, EVER, IN THE

HISTORY OF THE WORLD.

THE FIRST MAJOR GUN SAFETY LAW

IN 30 YEARS.

TODAY VIOLENT CRIME RATE IS AT A

50-YEAR LOW.

ALSO SECURING OUR BORDER, BORDER

CROSSINGS ARE LOWER TODAY THAN

WHEN THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION

LEFT OFFICE.

I'VE KEPT MY COMMITMENT TO

APPOINT THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO

THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED

STATES OF AMERICA.

I ALSO KEPT MY COMMITMENT TO

HAVE AN ADMINISTRATION THAT

LOOKS LIKE AMERICA, BE A

PRESIDENT FOR ALL AMERICANS.

THAT'S WHAT I'VE DONE.

I RAN FOR PRESIDENT FOUR YEARS

AGO BECAUSE I BELIEVED AND STILL

DO THAT THE SOUL OF AMERICA WAS

AT STAKE.

THE VERY NATURE OF WHO WE ARE

WAS AT STAKE.

THAT'S STILL THE CASE.

AMERICA'S AN IDEA, AN IDEA

STRONGER THAN ANY ARMY.

BIGGER THAN ANY OCEAN.

MORE POWERFUL THAN ANY DICTATOR

OR TYRANT.

IT'S THE MOST POWERFUL IDEA IN

THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD.

THAT IDEA IS THAT WE HOLD THESE

TRUTHS TO BE SELF-EVIDENT.

WE'RE ALL CREATED EQUAL, ENDOWED

WITH CERTAIN RIGHTS -- LIFE,

LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF

HAPPINESS.

WE NEVER FULLY LIVED UP TO THIS

SACRED IDEA, BUT WE NEVER WALKED

AWAY FROM IT EITHER.

I DON'T BELIEVE THE AMERICAN

PEOPLE WILL WALK AWAY FROM IT

NOW.

IN JUST A FEW MONTHS, THE

AMERICAN PEOPLE WILL CHOOSE THE

COURSE OF AMERICA'S FUTURE.

I MADE MY CHOICE.

I MADE MY VIEWS KNOWN.

I WANT TO THANK OUR GREAT VICE

PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS.

SHE'S EXPERIENCED.

SHE'S TOUGH.

SHE'S CAPABLE.

SHE'S BEEN AN INCREDIBLE PARTNER

TO ME AND THA LEADER FOR OUR

COUNTRY.

NOW THE CHOICE IS UP TO YOU THE

AMERICAN PEOPLE.

WHEN YOU MAKE THAT CHOICE,

REMEMBER THE WORDS OF BENJAMIN

FRANKLIN HANGING ON MY WALL IN

THE OVAL OFFICE ALONGSIDE THE

BUST OF MARTIN LUTHER KING.

WHEN BEN FRANKLIN EMERGED FROM

THE CONVENTION GOING ON, WHETHER

THE FOUNDERS HAVE GIVEN AMERICA

A MONARCHY OR REPUBLIC,

FRANKLIN'S RESPONSE WAS, A

REPUBLIC, IF YOU CAN KEEP IT, A

REPUBLIC IF YOU CAN KEEP IT.

WHETHER WE KEEP OUR REPUBLIC IS

IN YOUR HANDS.

MY FELLOW AMERICANS, IT'S BEEN

THE PRIVILEGE OF MY LIFE TO

SERVE THIS NATION FOR OVER 50

YEARS.

NOWHERE ELSE ON EARTH COULD A

KID WITH A STUTTER FROM MODEST

BEGINNINGS IN SCRANTON,

PENNSYLVANIA, AND DELAWARE SIT

BEHIND THE RESOLUTE DESK IN THE

OVAL OFFICE AS PRESIDENT OF THE

UNITED STATES.

HERE I AM.

THAT'S WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT

AMERICA.

WE'RE A NATION OF PROMISE AND

POSSIBILITIES, OF DREAMERS AND

DOERS, OF ORDINARY AMERICANS

DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS.

I'VE GIVEN MY HEART AND MY SOUL

TO OUR NATION, LIKE SO MANY

OTHERS.

I'VE BEEN BLESSED A MILLION

TIMES IN RETURN WITH THE LOVE

AND SUPPORT OF THE AMERICAN

PEOPLE.

I HOPE YOU HAVE SOME IDEA HOW

GRATEFUL I AM TO ALL OF YOU.

GREAT THING ABOUT AMERICA IS

HERE, KINGS AND DICTATORS DO NOT

RULE, THE PEOPLE DO.

HISTORY IS IN YOUR HANDS.

THE POWER'S IN YOUR HANDS.

THE IDEA OF AMERICA LIE NESS

YOUR HANDS.

YOU JUST HAVE TO KEEP FAITH,

KEEP THE FAITH AND REMEMBER WHO

WE ARE.

WE'RE THE UNITED STATES OF

AMERICA.

THERE'S SIMPLY NOTHING BEYOND

OUR CAPACITY IF WE DO IT

TOGETHER.

LET'S ACT TOGETHER, PRESERVE OUR

DEMOCRACY.

GOD BLE