‘Capable’ Harris and Biden’s legacy: key takeaways from the president’s address

Joe Biden gave his first speech since quitting the race – here’s what to know from the roughly 10-minute address

President Joe Biden is seen on a monitor in the press briefing room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, as he addresses the nation from the Oval Office about his decision to drop his Democratic presidential reelection bid. Picture: AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

Joe Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday night in an emotional speech that encompassed some of the reasons that led him to withdraw from the presidential race. This was the first speech Biden has made since he announced his withdrawal from the race on Sunday.

Most notably, the 81-year-old president, who was recovering from Covid-19 this week, highlighted the importance of passing the torch to a new generation, referring to his endorsement for Kamala Harris as the new contender for November’s elections.