Biden says he’s passing the torch in Oval Office address

President Joe Biden spoke to the nation on Wednesday night and confirmed his intention to finish the last six months of his term before handing the office over to a younger generation. He provided more insight into his decision over the weekend to withdraw from the presidential race, claiming the Democratic party needed to unite around fresh voices at the helm. The soul of America is at stake in the upcoming election, Biden said. Even so, he added that his vision for America deserved a second term and highlighted what he said were several achievements throughout his nearly four years in office. Biden also reiterated the importance of what he characterized as the American spirit. Nowhere else in the world could a kid with a stutter from small-town Pennsylvania end up behind the Resolute Desk, he said.

The speech was a sharp contrast to statements Biden made in weeks and days prior, when he insisted he would stay in the race. The president did not elaborate on how or when he made the decision to drop out, nor the extent to which he discussed the decision with others. Biden ended by pleading with voters to “remember who we are” and vote to, as he characterized it, preserve democracy in November.

What did he say about Vice President Kamala Harris? Other than allusions to “a younger generation,” Biden barely mentioned Harris in his 15-minute address. He did offer a brief endorsement, describing her as experienced, tough, and capable.

Did Trump comment on the address? Biden’s Oval Office speech was barely understandable, former President Donald Trump wrote just before sharing an endorsement from the National Association of Police Organizations.

Dig deeper: Read my report on Vice President Kamala Harris describing herself as the presumptive Democratic nominee.