President Joe Biden declared his intention to withdraw from the 2024 presidential contest on Wednesday night in a historic and moving speech from the Oval Office. He took this unexpected action because he wanted to shield the nation from the possible fallout if Donald Trump were to win in November. Above all, Biden underscored his love for the nation and his dedication to upholding democracy. These are the main points to remember from Biden’s first address after he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to follow him and withdrew from the 2024 campaign.

1. Biden’s Clandestine Attack on Trump

Although President Biden did not specifically reference Donald Trump throughout his address, it was evident what he was getting at. Deep worries about the country’s future under a hypothetical Trump administration were voiced by Biden.

“I expressed unequivocally that I think we are in a turning point in American history, where the choices we make today will impact our country and the global community for many years to come,” Biden said. “America will have to decide whether to go ahead or backward. between hate and hope. between cohesion and discord. We must determine if we still value freedom, democracy, respect, honesty, and decency.

The significance of the impending election is highlighted by Biden’s remarks, which also reflect his opinion that the country must choose between two very different directions for its future. Biden’s support was implied in his decision to resign, even though he made no mention of Kamala Harris, his own vice president, who is currently the overwhelming favorite to challenge Trump.

2. Biden’s Assured Fulfillment of His Term

President Biden has stated that he plans to stay in office until the end of his term, despite requests from some Republicans for him to step down after he decided not to run for a second term.

“I’ll be focused on carrying out my duties as president for the next six months,” Biden declared. That implies that I’ll keep bringing down expenses for hardworking households and boosting the national economy. I will continue to stand up for our civil rights and individual liberties, including the freedom of choice and the ability to vote.

Along with these commitments, Biden said he will keep tackling important topics including radicalism and hate speech, his cancer moonshot effort, changes to the Supreme Court, aiding Ukraine in its war with Russia, and trying to put a stop to the violence in Gaza. Even as he is ready to hand the reins over to a new generation, his devotion to these principles demonstrates his commitment to carrying out his presidential duties.

3. Errors and Rebukes

President Biden, who is eighty-one years old, has been under fire in recent months for his sporadic stuttering during his speech.

“Can we do that now, where people we disagree with are seen as fellow Americans rather than as enemies?” At one point, his voice was halting and shaky.

Some Democrats are worried that he won’t be able to withstand the demands of another campaign after these instances of halting speech. Democrats who were unhappy about Biden’s performance in the debate on June 27 launched a lobbying campaign that eventually affected his decision to drop out of the contest.

We’ve gone a long way since my inauguration, Biden thought to himself. “I said that day that I was in a winter of possibilities and a danger as I stood in the cold. Risk and opportunities. We were engulfed in the deadliest epidemic of the century, and we are still in its clutches.

4. Contemplating His Legacy

President Biden also gave some thought to his legacy and the achievements of his administration throughout his address.

“Four years ago, I decided to run for president because I firmly believed—and I still do—that the essence of America and our identity were in jeopardy.”

In addition to appointing the nation’s “most significant climate law,” Biden listed a number of other noteworthy accomplishments, such as approving legislation to protect American soldiers from toxic burn pits, passing the “first major gun safety law in 30 years,” observing a decline in violent crime, and nominating the first Black woman to the Supreme Court.

Like so many others, Biden said, “I’ve given my heart and soul to our nation, and I’ve been blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people.” “I hope you can all see how appreciative I am for all of you.”

In his remarks, Biden poignantly reaffirmed his commitment to the nation and his view that it is crucial to give the baton to a new generation of leaders. His decision to resign signifies an important turning point in American political history and highlights the potential and problems that the country will face as it gets ready for the 2024 presidential election.