President Biden made a rare Oval Office address on Wednesday evening, explaining his decision to quit the race for reelection just months ahead of a would-be rematch between him and former President Trump, urging Americans to consider the stakes of the race.

“I revere this office, but I love this country more,” Biden said. “The defense of democracy is more important than any title.”

Biden, emphasizing the choice between “forward or backward, hope and hate” in November, explained his decision as one that prioritized beating Donald Trump, though not mentioning him by........

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