Biden Uses Speech to 'Pass the Torch'

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Facts

  • In a speech delivered from the Oval Office on Wednesday, Pres. Joe Biden explained why he's no longer seeking reelection, saying it's time to 'pass the torch to a new generation' of Democratic leaders who can help defend democracy.1
  • Biden used swaths of the 11-minute speech to laud his first-term accomplishments, look ahead to achievements he hopes to obtain in his final months in office, and to further endorse Vice Pres. Kamala Harris, who is the favorite to win the Democratic presidential nomination to oppose Republican former Pres. Donald Trump this November.1
  • Without naming Trump, Biden concluded his remarks by saying, 'The great thing about America is, here kings and dictators do not rule — the people do. History is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.'2
  • Biden, 81, didn't mention the political atmosphere that preceded his decision to step aside, which saw pressure from party leaders to drop out and sour polling following his debate performance last month.3
  • Meanwhile, according to a CNN poll, 90% of Democrats believe Biden made the right choice to bow out of the race.4

Sources: 1CNN, 2New York Times, 3Associated Press and 4Axios.

Narratives

  • Democratic narrative, as provided by NBC. It's rare for a sitting president to prematurely relinquish power, but — as he's done time and again during his decades-long career — Biden is doing what he thinks is best for the country. Juxtaposed with Trump, who still hasn't conceded the 2020 election and inspired the Jan. 6 attacks at the US Capitol, Biden's speech and his decision to step aside make the choice clear about which party is best for preserving democracy in the US.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by PJ Media. Biden's speech — delivered with little emotion and a slurring of words — did nothing but confirm how important it is for him to exit the Oval Office and for Trump to take over. Biden lied at every bullet point — including his claims about handling the war in Gaza, the treatment of US veterans, and the US economy. Most notably, he refused to acknowledge the real reason for dropping out: He knows that he doesn't stand a chance against Trump.
  • Narrative C, as provided by USA Today. Considering how Biden, prior to his announcement about stepping aside, was adamant about continuing his reelection campaign, the American people deserve an explanation. Yet, Biden offered no rationale for this sudden U-turn — nor any update on his health — during this speech. Biden's ability to lead the US during his final months in office is in question.

Predictions