Joe Biden Withdraws from US Presidential Race: I Respect This Office, But I Love My Country More

JAKARTA - United States President Joe Biden explained his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election contest, during a speech in the Oval Office, White House, his first appearance after reportedly testing positive for COVID-19 last week.

President Biden said his decision was a matter of democracy, framing the 2024 election as a choice "between progress and retreat, between hope and hatred".

"I honor this office. But I love my country more. It has been the honor of my life to serve as your president. But in defending democracy, that is at stake - and more important than any title. I draw strength and I find joy in working for the American people," President Biden said in a speech in the Oval Office, reported by CNN on July 25.

Starting his speech by talking about his love for the United States, he called it an honor to serve as president.

"This sacred duty to perfect our union, this is not about me. This is about you, your families, your future. This is about 'We the People'," he said.

It is known that this speech marks President Biden's first official appearance in public, since announcing that he will not run for re-election.