5 key takeaways of Biden's address to the nation from the Oval Office

President Biden delivered an approximately 11-minute address to the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday.

While sitting behind the Resolute Desk, surrounded by portraits of American presidents, Biden spoke of his decision to discontinue his re-election campaign and laid out his plan for the remainder of his term.

The 81-year-old president, after recovering from a reported COVID-19 case last week, also spoke repeatedly about "defending democracy."

Here are five key takeaways from the address that comes at a pivotal moment of the election cycle as Vice President Harris, with Biden's endorsement, vies to become the Democratic nominee for president.

BIDEN ADDRESSES DECISION TO DROP OUT OF 2024 RACE, INTENDS TO COMPLETE TERM IN WHITE HOUSE

1. Biden offers an explanation about deciding to step aside from the race

The president said that when he was elected to office, he promised to "always level with you, to tell you the truth."

That truth, Biden said, is that the "sacred cause of this country is larger than any one of us," and those dedicated to the "cause of American democracy must unite to protect it."

"In recent weeks, it's become clear to me that I need to unite my party in this critical endeavor. I believed my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America's future all merited a second term. But nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy," Biden 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. You know, there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life. There's also a time and place for new voices. Fresh voices. Yes, younger voices. And that time