Hello and welcome to News Hour live from the BBC World Service in London.

I'm Rebecca Keesby.

Joe Biden says he dropped out of the race for re-election because saving democracy is more important

than his personal ambition.

He made the comments in a televised address to the nation, one of only a handful he's made as president from the Oval Office.

He didn't explicitly address the age-related health concerns many of his colleagues cited

as reasons they were calling for him to step down, but he focused on his legacy.

I give my heart and my soul to our nation, like so many others.

I've been blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people.

I hope you have some idea how grateful I am to all of you.

Mr Biden said that the defense of democracy is at stake.

He also briefly reiterated his endorsement for his current Vice president Carmela Harris.

She's the experience. She's tough. She's capable.

She's been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country.

Now the choice is up to you, the American people.

Well earlier today I spoke to a staunch Biden loyalist for his reaction to this speech.

Tony Gardner was the US Ambassador to Europe during the Obama administration.

He was also heavily involved in Joe Biden's presidential campaign.

He told me first about the moment he first realized Joe Biden had to drop out during that TV

debate with Donald Trump.

It was a very sad moment.

Look, I've known him for

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