In a surprising announcement, President Joe Biden shared on Wednesday night that he will not be running for reelection in 2024, choosing to “pass the torch to a new generation” after over 50 years in politics. Despite pressure from Democrats, Biden made the difficult decision following a debate performance that raised concerns about his ability to win against Republican Donald Trump.
Biden emphasized his love for the country over the office, stating, “I revere this office, but I love my country more.” He highlighted the power of the people in shaping America’s future and expressed confidence in a new generation to unite the nation.
Although faced with criticism about his mental acuity, Biden will focus on his remaining six months in office, starting with discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This decision makes him the first incumbent president since 1968 not to seek reelection and marks the end of a long career in politics that began when he was elected to the Senate in 1972.
As Biden steps back from the 2024 race, he remains committed to the democracy and the American people, emphasizing that the task of perfecting the Union is about “We the People.”