President Joe Biden spoke to the American public for the first time Wednesday night after announcing on Sunday that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.
The President publicly admitted for the first time that pressure from the Democrat Party is the cause of him dropping out of the race.
“You know in recent weeks it has become clear to me that I need to unite my party in this critical endeavor, I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future all merited a second term. But nothing, nothing, can come in the way of saving our democracy,” said Biden.
The president explained that he still believes the United States is at an inflection point, and he needs to pass the torch.
“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation, it’s the best way to unite our nation,” Biden proclaimed from the Oval Office. “There’s a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, and yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now.”
While the President has faced calls to step down from his position, including from Congressman and Attorney General Candidate Dan Bishop who said, “How can he remain president? Yet another sign of devotion to ‘our democracy’’?” Biden said he will continue serving for the next six months.
“Over the next six months I’ll be focused on doing my job as President. That means I’ll continue to lower cost for working families, I’ll keep defending our personal freedom on our civil rights from the right to vote to the right to choose,” said the President.
In an April Carolina Journal Poll over 80% of surveyed voters claim they are spending more on groceries than they were a year ago. The impact of higher prices is highly correlated with voters’ sentiment about the direction of the country, with 93% of likely voters who believe the country is headed in the “wrong direction” stating they are paying more for groceries.
“I want to thank our great Vice President Kamala Harris,” said Biden of his likely successor. “She’s experienced. She’s tough. She’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country.”
First Lady, Jill Biden posted on X shortly after her husband’s address calling for Americans to trust Kamala.
Former President Donald Trump who was in Charlotte earlier in the day on Wednesday called the address “bad”.
Speculation continues about Kamala Harris’s vice-presidential pick ahead of the Democratic National Convention in late August. Reports indicate that North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is among the top contenders.
The Carolina Journal will unveil their August Poll at a luncheon presentation in Wilmington on August 9th. Get your tickets and be the first to learn how the 2024 polling is shaping up in North Carolina.