Biden to Address Nation on Decision to Withdraw from 2024 Race

President Joe Biden is set to deliver a significant speech on Wednesday evening at 8 PM ET from the Oval Office, where he will explain his recent decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. This address marks the first extensive communication from the president since his unexpected announcement on Sunday, despite his previous assertions that he intended to run. Biden has been recuperating at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, after testing positive for Covid-19 nearly a week ago. In a brief call to his former campaign headquarters, Biden expressed his support for Vice President Kamala Harris, who has now secured enough delegate backing to clinch the Democratic nomination. He reassured supporters that, although he will not be on the ballot, he remains committed to being "fully engaged" in the campaign and completing his presidential duties over the next six months. His voice, still affected by Covid, conveyed determination as he emphasized his focus on both domestic and foreign policy initiatives. Biden acknowledged that his decision to step back was "surprising," but he maintained it was the right choice. The upcoming address is notable, as prime-time speeches from the Oval Office are rare, and it will be the second such address from Biden this month. His announcement draws historical parallels to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1968 speech, which similarly shocked the nation when he declared he would not seek re-election amid the Vietnam War.