'I revere this office but...': US President Biden addresses decision to drop out of 2024 presidential race

US President Joe Biden, on Wednesday, gave his first remarks after his decision to depart from the 2024 presidential race. He said that he withdrew from the race against Republican Donald Trump because he was concerned about the future of the country.

In an Oval Office address, Joe Biden conjured previous presidents Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln and passionately spoke about the love he has for his country and for the office that he would now leave in 6 months after completing a half-century in public office.

"I revere this office," Biden said. "But I love my country more."

“I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation," Biden said.

"Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition," he said.

"The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America – lies in your hands," Biden said.

This was Joe Biden's first extended public remarks after he announced on Sunday via social media that he had decided not to seek reelection on November 5.