‘Tough, capable …’: How US President Joe Biden describes Kamala Harris as he says ‘time for younger voices’

In a heartfelt Oval Office address on Wednesday, President Joe Biden praised Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee for the upcoming presidential election, calling her “tough” and “capable.” This address marked Biden’s first public comments since his decision to withdraw from the 2024 race and endorse Harris.
“She’s 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, the American people,” Biden said, emphasizing his confidence in Harris as she steps into the role of the Democratic frontrunner.
Biden went on to recognize, “there’s a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes — younger voices.”

Biden’s speech focused on the future of the country, with the president expressing gratitude for Harris’s contributions and urging voters to support her in the upcoming election. “In just a few months, the American people will choose the course of America’s future. I made my choice. I made my views known. I would like to thank our great Vice President Kamala Harris,” Biden said, reiterating his endorsement.
The president’s address came after a period of internal party pressure and scrutiny over his age and health, particularly following a less-than-stellar debate performance. Biden chose to sidestep discussions of these concerns, instead pledging to continue advancing his policy agenda during his remaining term.

“I’ll be working on foreign and domestic policy,” Biden confirmed, highlighting his commitment to driving his administration’s goals forward despite his impending departure from the presidential race.
In closing, Biden urged voters to consider Harris’s strengths and capabilities as they make their choice between her and former President Donald Trump.
Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that any question of Biden resigning his office before the election — which would allow Harris to run as an incumbent — was “ridiculous.”
Jean-Pierre said Biden has “no regrets” about his decision to stay in the race as long as he did, or his decision to quit it over the weekend. She said Biden’s decision had nothing to do with his health.
Trump, who watched Biden’s remarks from his private jet, posted on his social media platform that the president “was barely understandable, and sooo bad!”