US President Joe Biden said that passing the torch to a new generation is the best way to bring America together.

Washington: In a solemn speech marking the end of his political career, US President Biden said on Thursday that the country's democracy is in the hands of the voters. During an Oval Office speech, Biden said he ended his 2024 bid because 'I respect this office, but I love my country more.'

“I respect this office, but I love my country more. It is the honor of my life to serve as your President. But in the defense of democracy, what is at stake is more important than any title. I get strength and I enjoy working,” he said.

# See | US President Joe Biden says, “I respect this office, but I love my country more. It is the honor of my life to serve as your President. But in the defense of democracy, what is at stake is more important than any title. I get strength and enjoy working… pic.twitter.com/u7qOMgcU45

— ANI (@ANI) 25 July 2024

President Joe Biden began his Oval Office speech by explaining his decision to 'pass the torch' and end his 2024 bid.

Earlier this week, Biden urged his supporters to support Vice President Kamala Harris in his first comments since announcing his decision not to seek re-election. He called his decision to drop out of the presidential race “the right thing to do,” CNN reported.

Biden made the comments during a phone call he made to his former campaign headquarters to thank Kamala Harris, who came to his Wilmington office to visit with staff on Monday (local time), and to thank staff.

During the phone call, Biden addressed Harris and the team directly, saying, “Hug her, she's the best.”

Upon his announcement to drop out of the presidential race, he called it “surprising news” and emphasized that he believed it was the “right thing to do,” CNN reported.

“I know it's hard because you poured your heart and soul into me,” Biden told campaign staff, adding, “You're an amazing team.”

The US president expressed his gratitude to the staff for uprooting their lives for him and his now ended campaign. He said he had created the “best” campaign organization in history. “I am honored and humbled,” he said.

“I'm going to go on the road and I'm not going anywhere,” Biden said. “I won't be on the ticket but I'll still be totally, totally busy,” he said. Six months of my presidency are left. I am determined to do as much as I can on both foreign policy and domestic policy,” according to a CNN report.

Earlier on Sunday, Biden announced his decision not to seek re-election in the “best interests” of the Democratic Party and the country. He has endorsed US Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee and called on Democrats to “come together and defeat” Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

In a letter posted on X, Biden said, “And while I intend to seek re-election, I believe I am in the best interest of my party and country and I am fully focused on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.” I will speak to the nation in more detail about my decision later this week.”

He thanked US Vice President Kamala Harris for being an “extraordinary partner” for him. He also thanked the people who worked for his re-election.