Biden says departure aims to save democracy, unite nation

US President Joe Biden addressed the nation on Wednesday, marking his first speech since deciding not to seek reelection. In a calm address from the Oval Office, Biden stated that he chose to set aside personal ambition to safeguard democracy, presenting a stark contrast to the combative nature of election campaigns.

Meanwhile, Republican Donald Trump, at his first rally since Biden's decision, criticised Democratic opponent Kamala Harris, labelling her a "radical left lunatic." Harris had previously launched sharp attacks on Trump, highlighting his felony convictions and various legal judgments against his business and charitable ventures.

NBC News reported that former President Barack Obama was expected to endorse Harris soon, adding momentum to her campaign. Discussions were also underway for Obama and Harris to campaign together, though no dates had been finalised.

Biden, who believed he deserved a second term based on his first-term achievements, expressed that stepping aside was the best path to unite the nation. Following his poor performance in a June 27 debate with Trump, Biden, the oldest president in US history at 81, was met with cheers and applause in the Rose Garden after his address.

"I decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation," Biden said.

Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, disparaged Biden's speech, continuing his campaign's narrative of portraying Biden as old and ineffective. Now facing Harris, who is 59 and the first Black woman and Asian American vice president, Trump must contend with a younger and energised Democratic candidate.

Harris, potentially the first woman president, quickly garnered Democratic support, raising $126 million since Sunday, with a significant portion from first-time contributors. With no opposition for the nomination, she secured the backing of party delegates shortly after Biden's announcement.

Trump tried to quash some of her momentum in an aggressive speech at a campaign rally.

"I'm not gonna be nice!" he told cheering supporters in Charlotte, North Carolina, a battleground state where voting preferences can swing to either side.

On Tuesday Harris showed her willingness to throw a punch, contrasting her background as a prosecutor to his record as a convicted felon.

"Do we want to live in a country of freedom, compassion and rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear and hate?" she asked during a speech in Milwaukee.

The focus now shifts to Harris's choice for vice-presidential candidate, with names like Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in consideration. The Democratic National Committee plans to officially nominate Harris by August 1, ahead of the party convention in Chicago, with her running mate selection by August 7.

Biden praised Harris as a capable and strong leader, while Trump sought to undermine her momentum with an aggressive rally speech in Charlotte, North Carolina. Harris, contrasting her prosecutorial background with Trump's criminal record, challenged voters to choose between a nation of "freedom, compassion and rule of law" or one of "chaos, fear and hate."

Polls showed a tight race, with a Reuters/Ipsos poll giving Harris a slight lead over Trump, while a CNN poll showed Trump marginally ahead. Both results fell within the margin of error, indicating a highly competitive upcoming election.