‘He fell on his sword’: Democrats, Republicans and media figures react to Biden’s address to nation

Democrats, Republicans and talking heads have lead reaction to President Joe Biden’saddress to the nation on Wednesday night, with supporters saying he “fell on his sword” while critics blasted it as “barely understandable”.

Speaking fromthe Oval Office, Biden explained his rationale behind withdrawing from the 2024 election, saying that he decided to “pass the torch to a new generation” because he cannot let his “personal ambition” stand in the way of democracy.

Biden alsothanked Kamala Harris, whom he endorsed on Sunday to replace him on top of the Democratic party ticket.

Harris was among those who praised Biden and thanked him for his five-decade long service to the American people following his speech.

“President @JoeBiden has profound compassion for the people of our country. We are all deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation. Thank you, Mr. President,” she wrote on X.

Former president Barack Obama, who is yet to publicly endorse Harris, also thanked Biden for “staying true to these words again and again over a lifetime of service to the American people”.

Rep Jasmine Crocket, a fierce Biden supporter said she was in tears while watching the president whom she “loves” give his historic speech.

Leader of the House Democratic Caucus, Hakeem Jeffries, wrote on X: “He passed the torch to all of us. It is now our responsibility to save American democracy. We will.”

“The sacred cause of this country is larger than any one of us.”

Joe Biden has stayed true to these words again and again over a lifetime of service to the American people. Thank you, <a rel=«nofollow» target="_blank" href=«https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=» https:>@POTUS

.

Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, agreed: “Tonight, we saw President Joe