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
President Joe Biden addressed the nation Wednesday for the first time since dropping out of the 2024 presidential 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.

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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Jul 22, 2024, 12:33 AM GMT

Kamala Harris doesn't solve all problems for Democrats, expert says

When it comes to Vice President Kamala Harris, ABC News Political Director Rick Klein says her run for president does not solve all problems for Democrats.

"We have seen a national poll that came out in the last couple of days that had a dead tie between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris," he said.

Watch the video below for the full interview.

Vice President Kamala Harris heads into the dog days of summer as the clear favorite to replace President Joe Biden as the Democrats' White House nominee. But there are still members of her party left to convert into believers.
ByRick Klein ABCNews logo
Jul 22, 2024, 12:25 AM GMT

Democratic strategist Brazile says Manchin reached out to 'inquire' about Biden dropping out of race

Former Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile told ABC News' David Muir on Sunday night that Joe Manchin, the independent senator from West Virginia, had reached out to "inquire about the news" of President Joe Biden dropping out of the race.

Two sources told ABC News earlier Sunday that Manchin was considering reregistering as a Democrat to run against Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidential nomination.

In the interview, Brazile also said the DNC is committed to the virtual roll call that would wrap up by Aug. 7 -- more than a week before the convention starts.