Biden’s family cries and his staff weep as he insists he deserves a second term and commiserates with White House aides with ice cream

President Joe Biden’s family and loyal staff wept as he addressed the nation about his decision to withdraw from the 2024 campaign.

Biden was surrounded by his loved ones and those who helped him build his political career as he spoke from the Oval Office. They applauded as he finished his 11-minute speech but also wiped away tears.

First lady Jill Biden, his wife of 47 years, was the first to stand beside him after he finished. She joined him at the Resolute Desk, followed by son Hunter, who gave his father a hug. Hunter’s daughter, Finnegan, and the Bidens’ daughter, Ashley, also embraced the president, with Finnegan wiping away tears as she turned away from her grandfather.

Ashley’s husband Howard Krein was also in attendance, as were other Biden grandchildren, including Naomi Biden Neal and her husband Peter Neal, young Hunter Biden (the son of the late Beau Biden), and Maisy Biden.

Among the staffers present were Mike Donilon, Biden’s longtime adviser who has been there since the beginning of his political career; press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre; and Biden’s deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini.

“This was the honor of my life,” the president told them.

The crew then went to the Rose Garden to join other staff members in serving ice cream, the president’s favorite treat.

“Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and Higher,” one of Biden’s campaign songs, was played.

Ashley Biden hugs father Joe Biden as Finnegan Biden wipes away tears

In his speech, Biden outlined his reasons for withdrawing from the 2024-cHe argued that he could get another four years if he wanted.

He said he chose to pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris because he believed it would unite the country and save democracy.

“I believe that my record as president, my leadership in the world and my vision for America’s future all justify a second term,” he said in a prime-time address from the Oval Office.

“But nothing, absolutely nothing, can stand in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambitions. That’s why I’ve decided that the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.”

“There is a time and a place for years of experience in public life. There is also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices. Yes, younger voices,” he noted.

One thing he didn’t address was his own health. Biden, 81, had just recovered from a bout of COVID, but it was his disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump, in which he fumbled for words and at times stared blankly, that led several Democrats to call for him to drop out of the presidential race.

Biden stumbled a bit in his delivery, mumbling at times and speaking softly. But he used the speech to outline his legacy, explain his reasons for dropping out of the presidential race and note that he has more work to do in his six months in office.

From right: Jill Biden, Ashley Biden and her husband Howard Krein, and Hunter Biden and his daughter Finnegan listen to Joe Biden speak

White House staff gathered in the Rose Garden to cheer on the president after his speech

Hunter Biden gives his father a hug

President Biden addresses staff in the Rose Garden after his speech in the Oval Office

He said he respected the office, but that he loved his country more.

“I respect this office, but I love my country even more,” the president said.

“It is an honor for me to serve as your president, but the defense of democracy, which is at stake, is more important to me than a title.”

Biden made it clear that he was stepping down voluntarily, a stark contrast to his predecessor. He did not mention Donald Trump by name, but his meaning was clear when he said that the country is more important than the Oval Office.

Trump attempted to overturn the 2020 election results and remain in power. He was later sued by state and federal authorities for his actions.

“America is an idea — an idea stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, more powerful than any dictator,” Biden said.

As the president spoke, his staff gathered upstairs, on the State Floor of the White House, to watch his speech, accompanied by wine and pizza.

Before the speech began, staff members were spotted walking from the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which is across from the West Wing, to the White House for the event.

Biden’s decision to step down sent shockwaves through the political world, ending more than 50 years in politics.

He endorsed Harris as his nominee and turned over his campaign infrastructure to her. The campaign renamed itself “Harris for President.”

Within 30 hours, Harris had pledged enough delegates to win the presidential nomination.

In his speech on Wednesday night, Biden did not explicitly endorse Harris, but he did note that he “has made his positions known.

“I’ve made my choice. I’ve made my views known. I want to thank our great Vice President Kamala Harris. She’s experienced. She’s tough. She’s capable. She’s an incredible partner for me and a leader for our country.”

“Now the choice is yours, the American people,” he said, looking ahead to the upcoming elections.

Hunter Biden, his daughter Finnegan, Howard Krein, Ashley Biden and Jill Biden in the Oval

President Joe Biden pauses before addressing the nation from the Oval Office

Jill Biden joined Joe Biden at the Resolute Desk as he concluded his speech

White House staff watched the speech from the White House State Floor

Delegates will nominate their tickets virtually between August 1 and 7, ahead of the Democratic National Convention, which kicks off on August 19 in Chicago.

The president returned to the White House on Tuesday after spending six days in isolation at his Rehoboth Beach home, where he was suffering from COVID.

He has canceled a West Coast fundraiser scheduled for later this week.

On Thursday, he will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

For weeks he has resisted pressure from his party to step down as a candidate, but on Sunday he bowed to the inevitable.

Biden is the first sitting president not to seek re-election since 1968, when Lyndon Johnson, under fire for his handling of the Vietnam War, abruptly withdrew from the campaign on March 31.

The president joins Presidents James K. Polk, James Buchanan, Rutherford B. Hayes, Calvin Coolidge and Harry Truman who all decided not to run for a second term.