US President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a somber Oval Office address, explaining why he ended his re-election bid, while simultaneously issuing a stern warning about Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and anointing Vice President Kamala Harris as his natural successor.

The tone was purposefully non-partisan, in keeping with the White House setting, as Biden aimed to demonstrate his commitment to leaving a lasting legacy and not acting as a lame-duck president, outlining an ambitious agenda for the remainder of his term.

“The defense of democracy, which is at stake, is more important than any title. I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation,” Biden said in his 10-minute speech.

Here are the key takeaways from Biden’s address:

1. Warning about Trump: Joe Biden warned about the stakes of the upcoming election, without naming his Republican opponent. He painted a stark contrast between the choices facing voters, urging them to choose between moving forward or backward, hope or hate, unity or division. He stressed the importance of defending democracy, stating that it is “more important than any title” and that the choice is between believing in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice, and democracy.

“Americans are going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division,” Biden said, adding that “We have to decide — do we still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice and democracy.” That last item — democracy — and defending it is “more important than any title.” Biden said.

    2. Final months’ agenda: President Biden outlined a busy to-do list for his final six months in office, prioritising issues such as ending the war in Gaza, bringing home hostages, and promoting peace and security in the Middle East. He also plans to continue working to lower costs for families, defend personal freedoms, combat hate and extremism, and push for gun violence reform. Additionally, he aims to advance his initiative to end cancer as we know it and pursue Supreme Court reforms, solidifying his legacy on domestic and international fronts.“I’m going to keep working,” he remarked.

    3. Handing off power: As Biden’s presidential term progressed, he finally came to realize that it was time to step aside and let a new generation take the reins. Despite initially believing he was the only one who could beat Trump, Biden’s underwhelming debate performance in June raised questions about his age and ability to serve another four years.

      “I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. It’s the best way to unite our nation,” he said, even as he believed his presidency was deserving of a second term. After 24 days of internal party turmoil, Biden ultimately yielded to pressure and decided to pass the torch to a new generation, calling for “fresh voices” and “younger voices” to lead the way.

      4. Solemn tone and setting: President Biden has used the formal trappings of an Oval Office address sparingly, delivering only four such speeches since taking office, including his latest address on Wednesday. In this solemn and deliberate tone, Biden spoke to the nation from the Resolute Desk, a symbol of the presidency, as he voluntarily relinquished power, a rare move that few politicians are willing to make. “The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule — that people do,” Biden said as he closed his address. “History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands,” he said.

      5. Push for Kamala Harris: In a subtle yet significant move, President Biden praised Vice President Kamala Harris as “tough” and “capable” in a speech from the Oval Office, effectively giving her a boost ahead of the election. By doing so, he subtly nudged voters to choose her as their next leader, stating that “the choice is up to you, the American people.” Biden’s strategy aims to alleviate potential criticism if Harris loses by allowing her to build momentum, while also securing his own legacy by promoting a smooth transition of power to the next generation of leadership.

        “She’s been an incredible partner for her leadership, for our country,” he said. “Now the choice is up to you, the American people. ” First lady Jill Biden posted a hand-written note after the president’s speech thanking “those who never wavered, who refused to doubt.”