Biden ‘clearly hasn’t been running the show’ and ‘doesn’t look good’: The brutal assessment from Congress on Joe’s speech
Republicans strongly opposed Joe Biden’s speech explaining why he decided to cancel his re-election bid, saying the president should have left office much earlier because he “hasn’t been in charge.”
President Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday night to explain his reasoning for abruptly dropping out of the presidential race on Sunday after weeks of pressure from Democratic allies including Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
His speech marked the first time he spoke directly to the American people since withdrawing from the 2024 election and being diagnosed with COVID a week ago.
During his speech, he said he is convinced that “new voices” and “younger voices” are better suited to govern the country, address the many concerns and unite the country around a capable candidate.
Republicans, meanwhile, called the speech a cowardly act. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said, “It’s pretty clear to me that he hasn’t been in charge for a while.”
“Everyone knows about it,” he continued.
President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Wednesday, explaining his decision not to seek re-election
Congressman Mike Waltz (Republican of Florida) told DailyMail.com: ‘This should have all happened a long time ago.’
“Every American with common sense saw it. It was obvious that they knew. And you know, the debate exposed it for what it was.”
“I don’t think he’s been able to convince the world that he can still run the country if he can’t campaign anymore.”
“So I mean, the speech was fine. He got through,” the Republican said.
Even a Democrat pointed to the president’s decline.
“He doesn’t look as good or sound as good as he used to,” said Rep. Jared Moskowitz (R-Fla.).
“But I think he gave one of the best speeches ever.”
He called the speech “moving” and “memorable.”
The Democrat also noted that Biden’s leadership style is selfless.
“When you hear someone say, ‘I respect this office, but I’m going to quit because it’s in the interest of my country.’ You just don’t see that in public office.”
Congressman Dean Phillips (R-Minnesota), who briefly ran against Biden in the primaries, said he has been trying to get the president to deliver his farewell address for more than a year.
“You’re talking to the man who tried to give this speech about a year ago,” he said.
Pelosi, who reportedly influenced Biden’s decision to resign, posted a glowing tribute to the president after his remarks.
“Tonight we saw President Joe Biden — one of America’s most influential presidents — demonstrate that he is not only on the right side of history, but also on the right side of the future.”
“He has truly made a tangible difference in the lives of the American people. It is with love and gratitude that I pay tribute to President Biden for always believing in America’s potential and giving people the chance to achieve their fulfillment.”
US President Joe Biden delivers an address to the nation about his decision to end his re-election campaign, from the Oval Office of the White House, as his son Hunter Biden listens, in Washington, DC
Biden spoke about how honored he is to have risen through politics over the past 50 years, from humble beginnings as a Pennsylvania child with a stuttering disorder
In his speech, Biden pointed to the future of the country and said it is time for someone else to take the lead.
“I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” Biden said during the speech. “It’s the best way to unite our nation.”
He continued: ‘There is also a time and place for new voices. Fresh voices. Yes, younger voices. And that time of placing is now.’
He tried to strike a unifying tone, saying that encouraging the next generation of Democratic leaders is a nobler task than his own personal goals.
‘In recent weeks it has become clear to me that I must unite my party in this crucial undertaking.’
“I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, and my vision for America’s future warrant a second term.”
The president spoke at length about passing the torch to the next generation of Democrats
“But nothing, nothing can stand in our way to save our democracy. That also applies to personal ambition.”
He said the choice was between “unity and division,” adding: “We must decide that we still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice and democracy.”
Biden also offered a conciliatory story about his youth and later career in politics.
‘Nowhere else on Earth could a stuttering boy from Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware ever sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as President of the United States.’
“But here I am. That’s what makes America so special.”