Agencies
Washington
US President Joe Biden has told Americans in a televised address that he decided to end his faltering re-election campaign in a bid to save US democracy.
Biden, 81, said he felt his record as president "merited a second term” but that "nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy”.
He said he endorsed US Vice-President Kamala Harris to unite their fellow Democrats and the country.
The White House speech marked his first public appearance since he left the race on 21 July, paving the way for Harris to run for the party’s nomination. Pressure had been building on him from colleagues and donors to step aside over doubts about his ability to serve another term following a disastrous debate with Republican Donald Trump.
It was notable that he did not address how his campaign unravelled and the fact that defeat to Trump looked more likely the longer he resisted calls for him to quit.
Opinion polls so far suggest a Harris bounce since she took over Biden’s mantle, making it a tight race between her and the former president if she wins the nomination, which looks likely.
The president began his address with the words: "I revere this office, but I love my country more.”
He spoke for 11 minutes from the Oval Office, with his wife, Jill, son, Hunter, and daughter, Ashley, in the room alongside some key White House staff.
"I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” added Biden, who has been in public office for over half a century. "That is the best way to unite our nation.”