Biden tells US it’s time to ‘pass the torch’ to Harris

US President Joe Biden has told Americans it’s time to “pass the torch to a new generation” in a televised address from the White House explaining his historic decision to step aside as the Democratic candidate in this November’s election.

The Oval Office speech was his first public appearance since the 21 July announcement, which paved the way for Vice-President Kamala Harris to run for the party’s nomination instead.

The Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, meanwhile, said at a rally that Ms Harris was a “radical left lunatic”.

Opinion polls so far indicate a tight race between the former president and Ms Harris in a hypothetical match-up.

On Wednesday night, the president laid out his plans to “finish the job for the American people” before the end of his term in January next year.

Mr Biden argued that “the defence of democracy, which is at stake, is more important than any title”.

“I draw strength, and find joy, in working for the American people,” he said. “But this sacred task of protecting our union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about ‘we the people’.”

“The great thing about America is, here, kings and dictators do not rule,” he added. “The people do.”

His exit has upended an already dramatic race for the White House. It followed weeks of pressure from top Democrats and donors in the wake of his disastrous performance against Trump late last month.

Speaking at a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday, Trump attacked both Ms Harris and Mr Biden, whom he called the most damaging president in US history.

“For three-and-a-half years lying Kamala Harris has been the ultraliberal driving force behind every single Biden catastrophe,” he said.

“She is a radical left lunatic who will destroy our country if she ever gets the chance to get into office.”

Speaking at a news briefing at the White House earlier in the day, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Mr Biden was “proud” of his decision to withdraw, which she said showed him to be “honorable”.

Ms Jean-Pierre added that Mr Biden’s choice was “not about his health”, but declined to give further details.

She also told reporters Mr Biden would have “absolutely” been capable of serving another four-year term, and denied there was any “cover-up” over his cognitive faculties.

Many top Democrats praised Mr Biden’s decision to step away from the race, including his former boss, Barack Obama.

“Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me,” Mr Obama said in a statement. “We’ve also been reminded – again – that he’s a patriot of the highest order.”

Ms Harris, for her part, is hitting the campaign trail.

Earlier on Wednesday, she addressed the historically black Zeta Phi Beta sorority in Indianapolis, telling members that her new campaign is “not playing around” and asked for their help in being elected.

“In this moment, I believe we face a choice between two different visions for our nation, one focused on the future, the other focused on the past,” she said. “And with your support, I am fighting for our nation’s future.”

Some Republicans have called for Mr Biden to step down as president, arguing that he cannot run the country if he cannot run for office – a charge the White House has repeatedly denied.

On Thursday, Mr Biden is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, as well as with the families of US hostages still being held in Gaza.