Joe Biden urges Americans to unite and save democracy, says ‘history is in your hands’ – live updates of US Congress

In his final address from the Oval Office, President Joe Biden urged Americans to unite to save US democracy, warning of the existential threat posed by his Republican opponent. He emphasized the importance of moving forward and choosing hope, unity, and democracy over division and hate. Biden acknowledged that it was time for new voices and fresh perspectives to lead the nation. He passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris, expressing his support for her to carry on the fight for the values of honesty, decency, and justice. Biden outlined his legacy and plans for the future, including a focus on lowering costs, growing the economy, and addressing gun violence and climate change. He also called for reform of the Supreme Court, describing it as critical to democracy. Despite initial skepticism and pressure to drop out of the race, early polls suggest a tight race between Harris and Trump, with Harris having a slight advantage. Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race was driven by his commitment to safeguard democracy and pass the torch to a new generation. House Speaker Mike Johnson also passed legislation to form a task force to investigate the security failures surrounding an assassination attempt on Trump, emphasizing the importance of protecting the safety and security of national leaders. Former President Barack Obama thanked Biden for his lifetime of service to the American people.

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