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Election 2024 updates: Harris in 1st campaign ad targets Trump legal woes

"What kind of country do we want to live in?" Harris says in the video.

Last Updated: July 24, 2024, 8:57 PM EDT

President Joe Biden gave an Oval Office address to the nation Wednesday night to explain why he dropped out of the presidential race and to outline what he hopes to do in his remaining six months in office.

Vice President Kamala Harris is pushing ahead with campaigning for president days after Biden's decision.

With enough delegates secured to become the presumptive Democratic nominee if they keep to their pledges, Harris has held her first campaign rallies. Donald Trump attacked Harris in North Carolina at his first rally since Biden decided against running for reelection.

8:35 PM EDT

'He passed the torch to all of us': Jeffries

House Minority Leader Hakim Jeffries responded to Biden's speech in a statement on X saying the president "has run a great race and left our country a better place."

"He passed the torch to all of us. It is now our responsibility to save American democracy," he said.

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8:30 PM EDT

Biden looks back at accomplishments

The president looked back at his accomplishments in office noting that the country was still reeling from the pandemic and bounced back.

He cited the 12 million new jobs created, increasing wages and declining inflation.

"We're literally rebuilding our entire nation, urban, suburban, rural, [and] tribal communities," he said.

8:20 PM EDT

Biden expresses gratitude for the office he long sought

Near the end of his speech, Biden turned personal as he recalled his roots and long career in public service.

"My fellow Americans, it has been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years," he said. "Nowhere else on Earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the Resolute desk in the Oval Office as president of the United States but here I am."

"I give my heart and my soul to my nation, like so many others, but I'm blessed a million times in return for the love and support of the American people," he said. "I hope you have some idea how grateful I am to all of you."

8:16 PM EDT

'She's tough, she's capable,' Biden says of Harris

The president touted Harris's work and encouraged Americans to look at her record during the election.

"Vice president Kamala Harris experienced. She's tough, she's capable she's been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. now the choice is up to you," he said.

The president touted Vice President Kamala Harris's work and encouraged Americans to look at her record during the election.
The president touted Vice President Kamala Harris's work and encouraged Americans to look at her record during the election.