Elections 2024 live: Biden snubs Trump in speech as backlash grows over JD Vance’s Harris ‘cat lady’ comments

President Joe Biden said he decided to “pass the torch to a new generation” for the sake of democracy and to “unite our nation” in his first speech since dropping out of the 2024 race.

In a reflective address to the nation on Wednesday night, the president said he still believes he should seek a second term but that “personal ambition” cannot stand in the way of democracy.

“I revere this office, but I love my country more,” he said. “It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president. But in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it’s more important than any title.”

During his remarks, Biden praised Vice President Kamala Harris and – though not mentioning Donald Trump by name – warned the US is at an “inflection point” headed into the election.

His speech came as Harris continued on the campaign trail, speaking at the Zeta Phi Beta sorority national convention in Indianapolis.

Meanwhile, backlash continues to mount against JD Vance after a 2021 video of him branding Harris and other women “childless cat ladies” resurfaced.

Doug Emhoff ’s ex-wife Kerstin Emhoff and Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston have weighed in.