Joe Biden makes first public speech to explain why he’s not running for re-election

President Joe Biden has addressed the nation to explain in detail his decision to abruptly end his re-election campaign.

In a live broadcast from the White House's Oval Office, Biden made his first public remarks since making the announcement on Sunday.

Sitting at the Resolute Desk, he noted the fact he was surrounded by presidents of the past, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, before stating: "I revere this office, but I love my country more...nothing can come in the way of democracy, that includes personal ambition."

Biden didn't mention Donald Trump's name in his speech, but he made repeated references to the threat he believes he poses to democracy in the US: "The defense of democracy, which is at stake, 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.'"

He went on to stress the importance of moving with the times and embracing younger leaders: "I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That’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 a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices and that time and place is now."

The president reiterated his endorsement for his vice president, Kamala Harris, as the Democrat nominee: "Now, in just a few months, the American people choose the course of America’s future."

"I made my choice. I made my views known. I would like to thank our great vice-president, Kamala Harris. She’s experienced. She’s tough, she’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people."

The president made an 11-minute speech addressing the entire nation. (White House)

He also addressed how he'll be handling his last six months in office, claiming he has a 'busy to-do list' including working to end the war in Gaza, lower costs for hardworking families and defend personal freedoms. Significantly, he also said he'd be pushing for Supreme Court reform, which has been a hot topic in recent months after a spree of controversial rulings and ethics concerns involving the Supreme Court judges.

Biden stated that reform to the country's highest court is "critical to our democracy".

He closed out the 11-minute speech with an urgent address to the American people: "Great thing about America is, here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. 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 are simply nothing, nothing beyond our capacity. We do it together.

"So let’s act together, preserve our democracy. God bless you all. And may God protect our troops. Thank you."

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