Biden Passes Torch: Bowing Out of 2024 Presidential Race

President Joe Biden will tell Americans on Wednesday night that it is time to 'pass the torch to a new generation.' In an Oval Office address, Biden will explain his decision not to seek reelection in 2024, marking an end to his 50 years of public service.

President Joe Biden will address the nation on Wednesday night, declaring it is time to 'pass the torch to a new generation.' This Oval Office address will mark the end of his decision not to seek reelection in 2024, a significant move following his 50-year public service career.

Biden's announcement came via social media on Sunday after yielding to pressure from fellow Democrats. This makes him the first sitting president since Lyndon Johnson in 1968 to decline a reelection bid. Alongside Johnson, other presidents who chose not to run for a second term include James K. Polk, James Buchanan, Rutherford B. Hayes, Calvin Coolidge, and Harry Truman.

After a challenging debate performance against Republican Donald Trump, Biden faced increasing calls to step aside, leading to questions about his mental acuity. Despite vocal assertions from the White House denying any cognitive issues, Biden will state his intention to focus on his presidential duties for the remaining six months of his term. This will be Biden's fourth Oval Office address since taking office in 2021, the most recent being on July 15 where he urged for reduced political rhetoric following the attempted assassination of Trump.