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

Summary

In a heartfelt address from the Oval Office, the speaker reflects on the legacy of American presidents and the sacred duty of the presidency. Emphasizing the importance of democracy, unity, and the nation's values, they announce their decision to pass the torch to a new generation to protect these ideals. Highlighting accomplishments and ongoing efforts, the speaker calls for continued dedication to justice, freedom, and unity, urging Americans to act together to preserve the republic. The address concludes with gratitude and a reaffirmation of the nation's potential when united.

Takeaways

• 🇺🇸 The speaker addresses the American people from the Oval Office, emphasizing the significance of democracy.
• 🗽 Honoring past presidents, the speaker highlights the guidance of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin Roosevelt.
• ❤️ The speaker expresses love for the country and states that defending democracy is more important than any title.
• 🗳️ America is at an inflection point, requiring choices that will shape the nation's future for decades.
• 🤝 Emphasizing unity, the speaker calls for seeing those with different opinions as fellow Americans rather than enemies.
• 🌟 The speaker announces the decision to pass the torch to a new generation to unite the nation.
• 🔧 The speaker outlines priorities for the remaining term, including lowering costs, defending freedoms, and fighting extremism.
• 🌍 Achievements include strong economic recovery, reduced racial wealth gap, and leading in manufacturing and innovation.
• 🌿 Continued efforts will focus on addressing climate crisis, gun violence, and supporting international allies.
• 🗣️ The speaker reaffirms the commitment to honesty, truth, and protecting American democracy, urging the people to preserve it.

Q & A

Who is delivering the speech and from where?

The speech is being delivered by the President of the United States from behind the Resolute desk in the Oval Office.

Which American Presidents are mentioned in the speech and why?

Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin Roosevelt are mentioned to highlight their contributions and values, such as the belief in democracy, leadership, and rejecting fear.

What does the speaker identify as the sacred task for the nation?

The speaker identifies the sacred task as perfecting the Union, which is about the people, their families, and their futures.

What key question does the speaker pose about the future of America?

The speaker asks whether America will choose to move forward or backward, and whether it still believes in values like honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice, and democracy.

What significant personal decision does the speaker announce?

The speaker announces the decision to pass the torch to a new generation, suggesting that it is time for fresh, younger voices in leadership.

What priorities does the speaker emphasize for the remainder of their term?

The speaker emphasizes priorities such as lowering costs for families, growing the economy, defending personal freedoms, calling out hate and extremism, protecting children from gun violence, and addressing the climate crisis.

What achievements does the speaker highlight from their presidency?

Achievements highlighted include the creation of nearly 16 million new jobs, reducing inflation, lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, increasing healthcare coverage, enacting gun safety laws, securing borders, and appointing the first Black woman to the Supreme Court.

How does the speaker view the state of American democracy?

The speaker views American democracy as an idea that has never been fully realized but is always pursued, and believes that the American people will continue to uphold its principles.

What message does the speaker convey about the power and responsibility of the American people?

The speaker emphasizes that the power and responsibility to preserve the Republic and its democratic values lie in the hands of the American people, urging them to act together.

What personal reflection does the speaker share about their journey to the presidency?

The speaker reflects on their journey from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to becoming President, highlighting the unique opportunities and promise of America.

Outlines

00:00

🇺🇸 Presidential Address on the Defense of Democracy

The speaker, addressing the nation from the Oval Office, reflects on the significance of past presidents and their contributions to American values. He emphasizes the importance of democracy and the need for unity and honesty. He expresses his commitment to serving the American people and the challenges the nation faces. The speaker believes in the nation's ability to choose hope and unity over division and hate, and he underscores the importance of character and integrity in public life.

05:00

🌍 America's Global Leadership and Domestic Achievements

The speaker highlights the progress made since his inauguration, including economic growth, job creation, and advancements in various sectors such as manufacturing and healthcare. He mentions the reduction in border crossings and violent crime rates. The speaker also reflects on America's strong international standing, particularly in relation to China and NATO, and his efforts to address global conflicts and climate change. He reaffirms his commitment to continue working for the American people, emphasizing significant achievements in gun safety and veterans' support.

10:01

🇺🇸 A Legacy of Service and Call to Action

The speaker shares his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation, reflecting on his personal journey and the support of the American people. He emphasizes the unique qualities of America as a land of promise and possibilities, where ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things. The speaker calls on Americans to preserve democracy, uphold the nation's values, and act together for a better future. He concludes with a message of hope, unity, and faith in the nation's capacity to overcome challenges.

Keywords

💡Democracy

Democracy is a system of government where the citizens exercise power by voting. In the script, the President emphasizes the defense of democracy as a crucial endeavor, suggesting that it is more important than any title or personal ambition. The President's speech underscores the need to unite and protect American democracy from threats, highlighting its significance as the cornerstone of the nation's values and governance.

💡Inflection point

An inflection point is a moment of significant change or a turning point. The President describes America as being at an inflection point, indicating a critical juncture where the decisions made now will shape the nation's future for decades. This concept highlights the urgency and importance of the choices facing the American people, emphasizing the potential for either progress or regression.

💡Unity

Unity refers to the state of being united or joined as a whole. The President calls for unity among Americans, urging them to see those with differing opinions not as enemies but as fellow citizens. This plea for unity is framed as essential for overcoming division and fostering a collaborative effort to preserve democracy and achieve common goals.

💡Character

Character refers to the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. The President questions whether character still matters in public life, suggesting that honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice, and democracy are integral to American identity. This emphasis on character serves to remind the audience of the values that should guide both leaders and citizens.

💡Personal freedoms

Personal freedoms are the rights and liberties that allow individuals to act without undue governmental interference. The President commits to defending personal freedoms and civil rights, such as the right to vote and the right to choose. This commitment is presented as a core responsibility of the presidency, reflecting the broader theme of protecting individual liberties.

💡Supreme Court reform

Supreme Court reform refers to changes aimed at improving the functioning or structure of the Supreme Court. The President mentions calling for Supreme Court reform, highlighting its importance to maintaining a healthy democracy. This call for reform suggests a need to address perceived issues within the judicial system to ensure fairness and justice.

💡Climate crisis

The climate crisis refers to significant and harmful changes in the global climate, primarily due to human activities. The President identifies the climate crisis as an existential threat and pledges to continue efforts to protect the planet. This acknowledgment of the climate crisis underscores its critical importance and the need for urgent action to mitigate its effects.

💡Economic growth

Economic growth is the increase in the production of goods and services in an economy over time. The President highlights achievements in economic growth, such as creating nearly 16 million new jobs and increasing wages. These points are used to illustrate the administration's success in fostering prosperity and improving the nation's economic health.

💡American idea

The American idea refers to the principles and values that define the United States, such as equality, freedom, and democracy. The President speaks of America as an idea stronger than any army, emphasizing its foundational beliefs in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This concept serves as a reminder of the nation's ideological roots and the ongoing effort to live up to these ideals.

💡International leadership

International leadership is the role of guiding and influencing global affairs. The President discusses the importance of maintaining America's position as a leader in the free world, citing efforts to strengthen NATO and support allies. This focus on international leadership underscores the nation's responsibility and influence in promoting global stability and security.

Highlights

President speaks from behind the Resolute desk in the Oval Office, surrounded by portraits of extraordinary American Presidents.

Thomas Jefferson's immortal words guide the nation; George Washington showed that presidents are not kings.

Abraham Lincoln implored rejection of malice; Franklin Roosevelt inspired rejection of fear.

The President loves the country more than the office and considers it an honor to serve.

In the defense of democracy, which is at stake, the President believes it is more important than any title.

America is at an inflection point, and the decisions made now will determine the nation's and the world's fate for decades to come.

America must choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.

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

The sacred cause of American democracy must unite everyone to protect it.

The President announces the decision to pass the torch to a new generation for the sake of unity.

There is a time and place for new voices, fresh voices, and younger voices, and that time is now.

The President will focus on lowering costs for hardworking families, growing the economy, and defending personal freedoms and civil rights.

The President will continue to call out hate and extremism and protect children from gun violence and the planet from climate crisis.

The President will call for Supreme Court reform and ensure America remains strong, secure, and the leader of the free world.

The President highlights accomplishments such as the strongest economy in the world, record job creation, and reducing the racial wealth gap.

Manufacturing has returned to America, leading in chips, science, and innovation.

Significant laws have been passed, including the first major gun safety law in 30 years and healthcare expansion.

Violent crime rate is at a 50-year low, and border crossings are lower than the previous administration.

The President kept commitments such as appointing the first black woman to the Supreme Court and leading an administration that looks like America.

The President emphasizes the importance of the soul of America and its foundational ideas.

America is an idea stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, and more powerful than any dictator.

The American people will soon choose the course of America's future, and the President has made his choice clear.

The President thanks Vice President Harris for her experience, toughness, and capability.

The choice is now up to the American people to keep the republic, as emphasized by Benjamin Franklin.

The President reflects on his journey from modest beginnings to the Oval Office and the special nature of America.

The President expresses gratitude to the American people for their support and love.

Kings and dictators do not rule in America; the people do. History and power are in the hands of the American people.

The President calls for collective action to preserve democracy and emphasizes the limitless potential of the United States when united.

Transcripts

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 who showed US

presidents are not Kings Abraham lincol

who implored us to reject malice

Franklin Roosevelt who inspired ired us

to reject

fear I rever this office but I love my

country more it's been the honor of my

life to serve as your

president but in the defense of

democracy which is at stake I think is

more important than any

title I draw strength and I find joy in

working for the American people but this

sacred

task of perfecting our Union it's not

about me it's about you

your families your futures it's about we

the

people we can never forget that and I

never

have I've made it clear that I believe

America has at an inflection point one

of those rare moments in history when

the decisions we make now will determine

our 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 in this

moment we can see those we disagree with

not as enemies but as as fellow

Americans can we do that does character

and public life still

matter I believe you 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 elect to me to this

office I promise to always level with

you to tell you the

truth and the truth the sacred cause of

this country is larger than any one of

us and those of us who Cherry that cause

cherish it so much a Cause of American

democracy itself must unite to protect

it you know 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 my

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 that's the best way to unite

our

nation you know there is 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 and that time and place is

now over the next six months I'll be

focused on doing my job as

president that means I'll continue to

lower cost for hardworking

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 no place in America for political

violence or any violence that ever

period I'm going to keep keep speaking

out to protect our kids from gun

violence our planet from climate crisis

that is the existential

threat and I will keep fighting my for

my cancer moonshot so we can 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 will keep working to

ensure American remain 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 a coalition of

proud Nations to stop Putin from taking

over Ukraine 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 our allies in the Pacific

ific you know when I came to office the

convention of wisdom was at China would

inev would inevitably pass the United

surpass the United

States that's not the case

anymore and I'm going to keep working to

end the war in Gaza bring home all the

hostages and 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 we stood in a

winter of peril and a winter of

possibilities Peril and

possibilities we're in the grip of the

we were in the grip of the worst

pandemic in the century the worst

economic crisis since the Great

Depression the worst attack on our

democracy since the Civil War

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 nearly 16 million new

jobs a record wages are up inflation

continues to come down the racial wealth

Gap is the lowest has been in 20 years

we're literally rebuilding our entire

nation Urban Suburban Rural and tribal

communities manufacturing has come back

to America we're leading the world again

in chips and Science and

Innovation we finally beat big Farm

after all these years to lower the cost

of prescription drugs for seniors and

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 and I sign one of the most

significant laws helping millions of

veterans and their families who are

exposed to toxic

materials you know most significant law

ever ever in the history of the world

the first major gun safety law in 30

years today violent the violent crime

rate is at a 50-year low we're 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 and be a president for all

Americans that's what I've

done I ran for a president four years

ago because I believed and still knew

that the soul of America was at stake

the very nature of who we are was a

stake and that's still the

case America is an

idea an idea stronger than any army

bigger than any ocean more powerful than

any dictator or tyrant 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 in

doubt by created with certain

inalienable rights life liberty Pursuit

of

Happiness we've never fully lived up to

it to this sacred idea but we've never

walked away from it either and I do not

believe the American people will walk

away from it

now 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 would like to thank our great

vice president K Harris she's

experienced she's tough she's capable

she's been an incredible partner to me

and a 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's hanging on my wall here in

the O office

alongside the bus of Dr King and Rosa

Parks and sayar Chavez when Ben Franken

was asked as he emerged from

the the the convention going on whether

the

founders have given America a monarchy

Republic Franklin response was a

republic if you can keep it a republic

if you can keep it whether we keep or

Republic is now in your hands

my fellow Americans has 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 Claymont Delaware one day

sit behind the Resolute desk in the Oval

Office as president of the United States

but here I

am that's what 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 the great thing about America is

here Kings and dictators do not rule the

people do

history is in your hands the power is in

your hands the idea of America lies in

your

hands we just have to keep Faith keep

the faith and remember who we are we're

the United States of America and there's

simply nothing nothing beyond our

capacity when we do it together so let's

act together preserve our

democracy God bless you all may God

protect our troops

thank you