• Joe Biden tells US it’s time to ‘pass the torch’ to Harris
• Biden endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris, aiming to unify Democrats and the nation
• It was his first speech since exiting the race on July 21, clearing the path for Harris’s candidacy
• Trump criticised Harris at a rally, calling her a “radical left lunatic,” with polls suggesting a close contest between Trump and Harris

Joe Biden tells US it’s time to ‘pass the torch’ to Harris

In a televised address, President Joe Biden explained his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, urging it was time to “pass the torch to a new generation.” 

At 81, Biden endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris, aiming to unify Democrats and the nation. 

It was his first speech since exiting the race on July 21, clearing the path for Harris’s candidacy. Meanwhile, Republican candidate Donald Trump criticised Harris at a rally, calling her a “radical left lunatic,” with polls suggesting a close contest between Trump and Harris. Biden’s 11-minute speech from the Oval Office included his wife Jill, son Hunter, daughter Ashley, and key White House staff.

“I revere this office,” he said. “But I love my country more.”

“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” added Biden, who has been in public office for over half a century. “That is the best way to unite our nation.”

The president vowed to “finish the job for the American people” before the end of his term in January next year and called Harris, 59, an “experienced, tough, capable” partner.