Biden says time to pass torch to new generation

KABUL (Pajhwok): Now is time to “pass the torch to a new generation”, says US President Joe Biden, who dropped out of the race for the White House earlier in the week.

In his first televised address to the nation after the extraordinary July 21 decision, the president tended on Wednesday to justify his exit the electoral fray.

He ended his troubled election campaign and endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris to unite fellow Democrats and the country, Biden was quoted as saying by the BBC.

"I revere this office. But I love my country more. I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation," Biden commented in his 11-minute speech.

"That is the best way to unite our nation," reiterated the president, who hailed Harris as an experienced, tough, capable partner.

Harris has shown her readiness to run against Donald Trump and has gained greater support from Democrats. According to the latest polls, she is in a better position than Biden to compete with her Republican rival.

Harris is the first female VP and a person of color of Asian origins in the history of the United States.

If elected as president, she will be the first woman in America’s history to grab the top constitutional office.

aw/mud