Joe Biden’s First Speech After Dramatic Decision to Step Down: How to Watch

Amanda Bell July 24, 2024, 5:30 pm

President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the assassination attempt on Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, at the White House on July 14, 2024 in Washington, DC. A shooter opened fire injuring former President Trump, killing one audience member and injuring others during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13. — Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images

Joe Biden is ready to address the nation about his decision to step down from the 2024 presidential race. On Wednesday (July 24) night, the sitting president will give a televised speech about his decision to relinquish his pledged delegates at the Democratic National Convention and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris instead.

Biden first announced his decision on Sunday with a statement shared on social media, but he was still isolated in Delaware while being treated for Covid at the time. While he did call into the now-Harris for President headquarters to echo his support for Harris on Monday, he did not appear on camera during his remarks. So this will be his first visual engagement since the announcement.

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In a social media post announcing the speech, Biden announced, “Tomorrow evening at 8 PM ET, I will address the nation from the Oval Office on what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people.”

Tomorrow evening at 8 PM ET, I will address the nation from the Oval Office on what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people.

— President Biden (@POTUS) July 23, 2024

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre offered a preview of his upcoming address on The View Tuesday, saying, “He wants to talk directly to all of you, to the American people, to talk about what’s next. And so I know he’s looking forward to doing that, so please tune in tomorrow.”

How to watch Biden’s speech on TV

The speech will air live starting at 8 p.m. ET. The speech will take place at the Oval Office and will be telecast across both broadcast and cable news networks.

ABC

ABC News will air a primetime special centered on the speech and titled “President Biden – The Decision: Address to the Nation.” It will air on the broadcast network as well as its digital platform and Hulu. Its airing on ABC will cause a delay in regularly scheduled programs Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and Claim to Fame.

CBS

CBS News will air the speech live on TV and online. Big Brother and CSI: Miami are expected to remain in their original airing spots and not be affected by the speech.