Metro Manila, Philippines– United States President Joe Biden called for unity amid threats to democracy in an address to Americans from the Oval Office, his first after dropping out of the presidential race.

“I revere this office, but I love my country more,” said Biden.

“It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president. But in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it’s more important than any title,” he added.

The president said the crucial general election is a choice between “moving forward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.”

“When you elected me to this office, I promised to always level with you, to tell you the truth. And the truth, the sacred cause of this country, is larger than any one of us,” he said.

Biden explained the events that led to his opting out of the race.

“It’s become clear to me that I need to unite my party in this critical endeavor. I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future all merited a second term, but nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy, and that includes personal ambition,” Biden said.

He added that passing the torch to the new generation will also help unite the nation.

“I know there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life, but there’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices, and that time and place is now,” said Biden.

The US president said he will focus on his job in the next six months. He also took the opportunity to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.

“In just a few months, the American people will choose the course of America’s future. I made my choice. I made my views known. I would like to thank our great Vice President Kamala Harris,” said Biden.