President Biden will tell America Wednesday that he bowed out of the presidential race to defend democracy against the threat of former President Donald Trump from reclaiming the White House.
“The defense of democracy is more important than any title,” Mr. Biden will say in an Oval Office address, according to excerpts released by the White House. “I draw strength and find joy in working for the American people. But this sacred task of protecting our union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about ‘We the People.”
Mr. Biden doesn’t mention Mr. Trump by name in the excerpts but has spent most of the presidential race bashing his predecessor as an existential threat to the nation, declaring freedom is on the ballot this election.
“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation,” Mr. Biden will say.
Mr. Biden, 81, quit his reelection campaign on Sunder. He was under intense pressure from Democratic leaders to step aside after a disastrous debate last month against former President Donald Trump in which Mr. Biden was confused, gave incoherent answers and stared off vacantly.
His performance seemed to confirm doubts about his mental acuity that Democratic leaders and their allies in the media had insisted were unfounded.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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