Biden Sidesteps Hard Truths in First Speech Since Quitting Race

Joe Biden's first chance to define how he will be judged by history came during a rare televised address from the Oval Office on Wednesday night. This marked his first public comments since he abruptly ended his re-election bid on Sunday. In his speech, he spoke of his accomplishments, his humble roots, and praised the American people, stating that the future of American democracy lies in their hands. However, he did not directly explain why he became the first incumbent president to abandon a re-election bid just months before voting begins.

Biden Speech After Quitting Race: Key Points

Biden hinted at his reasons, mentioning the need to unite his party and the necessity to “pass the torch” to a new generation. He emphasized that his accomplishments merited a second term but added that "nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy – and that includes personal ambition."

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Left unsaid was the reality that Biden resigned because it was becoming clear he would likely lose to Donald Trump in November, an outcome viewed as catastrophic by his party. Trailing in the polls and embarrassed by a poor debate performance, there was no clear path to a Biden victory.

Donald Trump, at a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, a few hours before Biden's address, stated that Biden dropped out because he was losing badly. Trump then attacked Kamala Harris, the new presumptive Democratic nominee, calling her a “radical left lunatic” and the “ultra-liberal driving force behind every single Biden catastrophe.”

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Republican Attacks and Democratic Responses

Republican groups have been aggressively targeting Harris, aiming to define her negatively. According to research by the Associated Press, Trump’s side is slated to outspend their Democratic counterparts 25-to-1 over the next month. One advertisement accused Harris of being complicit in covering up Biden’s “obvious mental decline.”

Biden’s speech offered a prime opportunity to rebut attacks against Harris and address concerns about his ability to fulfill his duties. However, he mostly passed on this opportunity. Towards the end, he praised Harris, calling her “experienced, tough, capable” and an “incredible partner for me and a leader for our country," but spent more time discussing Benjamin Franklin than his vice-president.

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Looking Forward

With little cover from Biden, Harris and her team will need to decide how to respond to the Republican attacks. Biden may have another chance to support Harris at the Democratic convention in Chicago next month. This is a delicate time for Harris, as her campaign is just beginning, and Americans are still getting to know her.

Biden's reluctance to be overly political in what could be his final Oval Office address might reflect his discomfort. However, Harris’s success or failure will significantly impact how history judges Biden’s legacy – as either a noble leader who made a necessary sacrifice or one who risked his party's future by holding onto power for too long.

News Source:- bbc.com