Biden promises to defend civil rights, end war in Gaza as he finishes out his term

President Joe Biden spoke to the nation Wednesday night for the first time since exiting the presidential race.

He appeared live from the White House at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, this time as a lame-duck president.

The president spoke not only about his decision to withdraw but also how he plans to close out his term.

On his decision to step back

President Biden speaks on passing the torch to a new generation

"I revere this office, but I love this country more," the President said.

"The defense of democracy is more important than any title. I draw strength, and find joy, in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about 'We the People.'"

"Nothing — nothing — can come in the way of saving our democracy," the President said. "That includes personal ambition. So I've decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. It's the best way to unite our nation."

Focusing on the rest of his term

President Biden speaks on his accomplishments and hopes for the future

“Over the next six months I will be focused on doing my job as President," he said. "That means I will continue to lower costs for hard-working families and grow our economy. I will keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights, from the right to vote to the right to choose.”

The president outlined plans to continue work to reduce gun violence, address the climate crisis and call for Supreme Court reform.

"This is critical to our democracy," he said.

"I'm going to keep working to end the war in Gaza, bring home all the hostages, and bring peace and security to the Middle East and end this war." President Biden said.

President Biden highlighted the work his administration had done to help America recover from the effects of the pandemic, the ensuing economic downturn, and threats to democracy since then.

"I ran for president four years ago because I believed and still do that the soul of America was at stake," the president said. "The very nature of who we are was at stake. And that's still the case."

Looking to the future of the country

President Biden speaks on backing Vice President Kamala Harris

"In just a few months, the American people will choose the course of America’s future," President Biden said. "I made my choice. I made my views known."

"The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do," President Biden said. "History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands. You just have to keep faith, keep the faith and remember who we are."

"We’re the United States of America and there’s simply nothing, nothing beyond our capacity if we do it together," he said. "So let's act together."

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