President Biden to Address Nation on Decision to Bow Out of Presidential Campaign
Oval Office Address Scheduled for Wednesday Night
President Biden plans to address the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday night to explain his decision to withdraw from the presidential campaign and outline his plans for the remaining six months of his term.
Recovery from Covid and Return to Washington
Mr. Biden tested negative for Covid, and the White House physician confirmed that his symptoms have resolved. This clearance allows the president to return to Washington on Tuesday afternoon, marking his first return since announcing his withdrawal on social media on Sunday. He spent six days at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, recovering from Covid and recalibrating his political future.
Announcement of Address and Future Plans
In a social media post announcing his address, scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday, Mr. Biden stated he would discuss “what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people.” During a phone call to his old campaign headquarters on Monday, he expressed his determination to campaign vigorously for Vice President Kamala Harris and to advance both domestic and foreign priorities. “I’m not going anywhere,” he emphasized, repeating the phrase three times in four minutes.
Recent Public Appearance and Health Update
Mr. Biden has not been seen in public since late Wednesday when he disembarked from Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, appearing frail and uncertain. At that time, he had just tested positive for Covid and was described as sick and coughing.