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Biden talks about passing torch in address

He gave a rare Oval Office address to the nation, explaining why he dropped out of the presidential race.

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Last updated: Thursday, July 25, 2024 1:56AM GMT
Biden addresses the nation on decision to exit 2024 race

During a rare Oval Office address to the nation, President Joe Biden said it's best to pass the "torch to a new generation."

"The defense of democracy is more important than any title," Biden said. "Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. And that includes personal ambition."

Said Biden, "I revere this office, but I love my country more."

In his address, he explained why he dropped out of the presidential race and outlined what he hopes to do in his remaining six months in office.

In the meantime, Vice President Kamala Harris is pushing ahead with campaigning for president days after Biden's decision.

With enough delegates secured to become the presumptive Democratic nominee if they keep to their pledges, Harris has held her first campaign rallies. At his first rally since Biden's announcement, Donald Trump attacked Harris while talking to voters in South Carolina.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
KGO logo
Jul 25, 2024, 1:13 AM

Biden delivers prime-time address on decision to exit 2024 race

Watch the video player below for the president's full remarks.

President Joe Biden, in a rare Oval Office address to the nation, spoke extensively for the first time on his decision to withdraw from the 2024 race.
Jul 23, 2024, 6:15 PM

Who's endorsed Kamala Harris and who hasn't?

Click here for a list of the current Democrats who support her, and a few notable figures who haven't yet.

ByAllison Pecorin ABCNews logo
Jul 22, 2024, 12:49 AM GMT

Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorses Kamala Harris in 2024 presidential race

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., released a video testimonial on X Sunday explaining why she's backing Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic nominee.

"She is ready to step up, bring our party together, go toe to toe with Donald Trump and win in November," Warren said in the video, in which she speaks directly to the camera.

"Kamala has been a ferocious warrior on the issue of abortion and under Kamala's leadership we are going to get Roe V. Wade back into the law of the land," Warren said.

"When you're up against a convicted felon who better than a former prosecutor to take it straight to Donald Trump," she continued. "I'm here for Kamala because Kamala has been here for the American people year after year after year."

ABCNews logo
Jul 22, 2024, 12:46 AM GMT

AOC pledges 'full support' to Kamala Harris

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is throwing her support behind Kamala Harris, saying the vice president "will be the next President of the United States."

ByWill Steakin ABCNews logo
Jul 22, 2024, 12:38 AM GMT

Major Biden donor says he won't fundraise for Harris if she's nominee

In an interview with ABC News on Sunday night, major Biden donor and supporter John Morgan said that if Vice President Kamala Harris is the nominee, he won't fundraise for the Democratic ticket.

"It's one thing to vote for somebody; it's another thing to raise millions of dollars for somebody; you have to really be in," Morgan, a high-profile Florida lawyer, told ABC News.

Morgan, who says he's a "Biden/Manchin type Dem," told ABC News he was all in on Biden but felt Harris would be too far left and lose in November.

"If Trump World could pick anybody to run against, I think they pick her," he said.

Morgan told ABC News he had already informed the Biden National Finance Committee that he was resigning from his fundraising efforts after Biden endorsed Harris.

"If she's a nominee, Mar a Lago has a real big party that night," he added.

BySoorin Kim, Lalee Ibassa and Kelsey Walsh ABCNews logo
Jul 22, 2024, 12:41 AM GMT

Pro-Trump super PAC spent $30 million on ads attacking Biden

Pro-Trump super PAC spent $30 million on ads attacking Biden

Pro-Trump super PAC Make America Great Again spent $30 million on ads attacking President Joe Biden this election cycle, Federal Election Commission records show.

The super PAC has also spent $18 million supporting former President Donald Trump.

It's unclear how much the Trump campaign, which is a separate entity from the super PAC, spent on ads specifically attacking Biden, as the campaign doesn't disclose that information.

The Trump campaign has sparingly placed television ads since the primary season.

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