Former US President Barack Obama has praised President Joe Biden’s dedication to the nation in light of Biden’s recent Oval Office address, marking a pivotal moment in American politics.
This is Biden’s first speech since he announced his withdrawal from the 2024 election race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s candidate for president.
“Joe Biden has lived up to those words over and over again throughout his life of service to the American people,” Obama said, noting Biden’s long tenure in public office.
The Oval Office address, traditionally reserved for moments of national significance or policy announcements, provided a platform for Biden to explain his decision and garner support for Harris as the country’s next leader.
Returning to the White House after testing negative for Covid-19, Biden defined the upcoming election as a crucial choice between progress and regression, hope and division. “I respect this office, but I love my country more,” Biden said, emphasizing his commitment to protecting democracy and the collective well-being of the American people.
In his address, Biden called on Americans to unite and recognize their shared values, calling the election crucial in determining the nation’s direction for decades to come. He expressed optimism in the American spirit and underscored the importance of protecting democratic principles, urging unity over division.
Although Biden did not directly mention former President Donald Trump, he compared his approach to Trump’s controversial presidency, and highlighted the imperative of protecting the integrity of democratic processes.
Biden’s endorsement will see Vice President Kamala Harris emerge as the Democratic candidate for the upcoming US presidential election on November 5. Harris has garnered enough support within the party and has secured enough delegates to secure the nomination, however, former US President Obama has not formally endorsed Harris.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
