Biden says it’s time for ‘fresh voices’ while explaining he dropped out to ‘unite our nation’ | First Thing

I've decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,' Biden said. Plus, Monday was world's hottest recorded day

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Good morning.

Joe Biden addressed the nation Wednesday to explain his decision to withdraw from the presidential race, delivering a reflective and hopeful message about starting a new chapter in American history.

Here's what Biden said he'd do in his last six months: I'll continue to lower costs for hard-working families [and] grow our economy. I'll keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights - from the right to vote to the right to choose ... keep working to end the war in Gaza, bring home all the hostages and bring peace and security to the Middle East."

Here's how Biden's decision fits into US history: Biden is the first incumbent to announce he would not seek re-election since Lyndon Johnson in 1968. Many have noted similarities between Biden and Johnson, who pushed through domestic legislative achievements but were marred by foreign policy criticism - Biden with Gaza and Johnson with Vietnam.