Joe Biden warns 'the soul of America is at stake' in first speech since President pulled out of race

Though Biden has suffered with a stutter since childhood, he still tailed off on some phrases as he made his way through the pre-prepared address.

The President said "the defence of democracy is more important than any title" as he explained his decision to stand down - adding the move "was not about him".

In a speech which took aim at Vladimir Putin and pledged to end both gun violence and the war in Gaza, Biden said: "I draw strength, and find joy, in working for the American people, but this sacred task of protecting our union is not about me."

The 81-year-old, who returned to Washington DC after isolating at his home in Delaware with Covid, continued: "It's about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about 'We The People'."

Biden made reference to Presidents past and the words of the American Declaration of Independence as he warned that the "republic was now in your hands".

And in a staunch warning ahead of a Democratic show-down against Donald Trump in November, he said: "I ran for President four years ago because I believe, and still do, that the soul of America was at stake - that's still the case."

But in a warm message of gratitude to Americans, he added: "Nowhere else could a kid with a stutter from Scranton Pennsylvania... sit in the Oval Office of the United States."

READ MORE ON THE RACE FOR THE WHITE HOUSE:

• Joe Biden 'should step down' if not fit to govern - Marc Lotter
• Joe Biden withdraws: Steven Edginton highlights ‘surprising’ aspect of president’s decision to quit
  
• Kamala Harris launches full blown assault on Donald Trump in first rally since taking over from Joe Biden

Biden concluded his address by saying: "History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The power of America lies in your hands - let's act together to preserve our democracy."

Ahead of tonight's speech, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had described Biden's decision to step aside as "proud" and "honourable".

Jean-Pierre insisted the move was not motivated by the President's health - nor was it a "cover-up" - but claimed he would have been "absolutely" capable of serving a second term.

His probable replacement as the Democratic candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, has already consolidated support among their party in Congress, as well as delegates across the US, with candidates who could have rivalled her for nomination quickly falling in line and endorsing her.

She secured Biden's endorsement mere minutes after he formally announced his decision to quit after months of speculation over whether he was fit to continue for another four years in charge - and tonight, he described her as "tough", "experienced" and "capable".

Harris has also pulled ahead in the polls mere days after Biden's surprise exit.

The VP currently enjoys a two percentage-point lead over Republican nominee Donald Trump - 44 per cent to 42 per cent in a Reuters/Ipsos poll with just over 100 days remaining until the election.

But other recent national polling - conducted by NPR, PBS News and Marist College - has handed Trump a narrow upper hand, giving the 45th President a one-point lead over Harris, at 46 versus 45 per cent respective favourability.

Biden became the seventh incumbent President - and the first since Lyndon B Johnson - to not seek re-election after intense pressure from within his own party came to a head on July 21.

But it's Trump who'll be hoping history repeats itself in November. "The Donald", as he's known, will be seeking to emulate Grover Cleveland's unique historical feat in serving two non-consecutive terms in office.