Biden’s Address to the Nation
President Biden is set to address the nation on Wednesday evening from the Oval Office for the first time since officially dropping out of the 2024 election. “Tomorrow evening at 8 PM ET, I will address the nation from the Oval Office on what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people,” Biden posted on his X account on Tuesday.
Biden’s Health and Return to the White House
Biden had been self-isolating in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, since last Wednesday after being diagnosed with COVID-19. This forced him to cancel scheduled events in Las Vegas and return to his home in The First State. After experiencing mild symptoms and general malaise, he received a negative diagnosis on Tuesday of this week and returned to the White House.
First Public Appearance Since Withdrawal
His trip back to the nation’s capital on Tuesday marked his first public appearance since suspending his re-election bid on Sunday and since being diagnosed with COVID-19 on July 17. Biden’s address on Wednesday is expected to provide further insight into his decision to leave the 2024 race. Despite assurances from his campaign and the White House that he would remain in the election cycle, Biden ultimately decided to withdraw.
Historical Context and Mounting Pressure
Since World War II, only three incumbent presidents—all Democrats—have opted not to run for a second term: Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, and now Biden. The 46th president faced increasing pressure from his Democratic allies and the media to bow out since June 27, following a poorly received debate performance against Trump. During the debate, Biden’s remarks were often garbled, and he appeared more subdued than in other recent public events. This reignited concerns among conservatives and critics about Biden’s mental acuity and led to a campaign among Democrats to replace him with a more suitable candidate.
Endorsement of Vice President Harris
Shortly after his announcement on Sunday afternoon, Biden endorsed Vice President Harris for the party’s nomination. As of Tuesday, Harris had enough delegates to secure the nomination, which will be certified by the DNC next month. Harris is now actively campaigning and considering potential running mates, with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper among the possible contenders.
Concerns Over Biden’s Health
Concerns over Biden’s health have been growing for years among conservatives and critics, including former White House physician Ronny Jackson. Jackson, now a Republican congressman representing Texas, has long expressed doubts about Biden’s cognitive abilities. Earlier this year, Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report on Biden’s handling of classified documents after his vice presidency further fueled these concerns. The report did not recommend criminal charges against Biden but described him as “a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.”
Calls for Resignation and Invoking the 25th Amendment
With Biden’s withdrawal from the election, conservative lawmakers and others have called for his resignation. They argue that if he is unfit to run for re-election, he is unfit to serve as president for the remaining months of his term. House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer have both stated that Biden must step down immediately. Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, also called on Biden to resign, arguing that not running for re-election implies a lack of fitness to serve as Commander-in-Chief.
Biden’s Plans for Remaining Time in Office
Others have urged Vice President Harris to invoke the 25th Amendment due to Biden’s health concerns. Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles sent a letter to Harris requesting she take action, stating that Biden’s recent isolation following a COVID diagnosis highlighted his incapacity to lead the nation. Biden’s address on Wednesday will focus on his withdrawal from the race and his plans for the remaining months in office.