It’s Not Our Turn Now

My fellow Americans,

This is a pivotal moment in the history of our great nation. We are not simply living history; we are making it. The beauty of being an American is that we have the unique privilege to begin again, to reimagine our path forward, and to strive towards a greater, more inclusive narrative. We are not making America great again—no, that phrase has been tainted by those who would rather see us regress than progress. Instead, we are on a journey toward a greatness that is not yet fully realized, but one that is ever within our reach.

I have been the gifted son of the soul of this country. Born into a practice of hard work and the relentless pursuit of progress, I learned early on that the true measure of success is not in the rewards of fame and fortune but in the legacy of service. I accepted the mantle of public service not for personal gain but to ensure that the privileges of this nation are extended to all, especially those who have been left behind, marginalized, and oppressed.

During my time as your President, we have made strides to heal the wounds that have divided us and to restore America’s standing on the world stage. We brought the United States back into the Paris Agreement because the fight against climate change is not just a policy issue—it’s a moral imperative for the future of our planet. We passed the American Rescue Plan, which lifted millions of Americans out of poverty, put food on the table for struggling families, and created jobs that are rebuilding our economy. We have worked tirelessly to advance healthcare, ensuring that more Americans than ever have access to the care they need, regardless of their income or background. And let us not forget the work we’ve done to restore respect and dignity to the Oval Office, upholding the values that make our democracy strong.

America is indeed a city on a hill, its light shining brightly on the backs of the working class, the burdens of the oppressed, and the sacrifices of those who have served. But let us not be mistaken: our greatness is a journey, not a destination. It is a journey marked by our willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, to wrestle with the narratives that have divided us, and to expand the circle of opportunity to include every American.

These last four years have been some of the most challenging and rewarding of my life. I have led with the conviction that my role as President was not to hold onto power but to wield it wisely, to serve the American people with humility and resolve. My faith has guided me, not as a dogma, but as a compass pointing toward a higher purpose—a purpose that compels us to recognize that true leadership is about making space for others to rise.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the extraordinary man who entrusted me with the honor of serving as his Vice President—President Barack Obama. He saw something in me that perhaps I did not fully see in myself. In a time when the very essence of equality was being challenged, he chose me, and together we worked to advance a vision of America where all could share in the promise of this great nation. President Obama trusted me, and for that, I am eternally grateful. His leadership, his grace under pressure, and his unwavering belief in the potential of every American continue to inspire me and guide my own journey.

And so, I stand before you today to say that it is not my turn anymore. This choice to step aside is not a sacrifice; it is my charge. It is my sacred duty to pass the baton to the next generation of leaders who will carry forward the work we have begun. I have often asked myself why I was chosen, not just elected, to be here. Perhaps the American people also saw something in me that I did not fully see in myself. But beyond the noise of politics, I have always sought to listen to the quiet voice within—the voice that reminds me that leadership is not about holding on to power but about empowering others to lead.

When I chose Kamala Harris as my Vice President, I did so because I believed in her vision, her strength, and her capacity to lead.  Acknowledging the extraordinary leadership of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who, like Kamala Harris, has paved the way for a new generation who, by passing the torch has ensured that our leadership reflects the diversity of our nation. Just as I supported Hillary Clinton in 2016, believing in her vision for America, I see in these leaders the same commitment to progress and equality that drives us forward.

Vice President Harris represents the future of this nation—a future where the voices of those who have been silenced for too long are finally heard. I am not great because I served alongside a Black man, nor because I chose a Black woman as my running mate. I am simply a man who realized that one of us would have to step aside and ask America to trust in the leadership of those we have historically oppressed. It is time for us to move beyond our past, to shed the weight of mediocrity, and to embrace the possibilities of a future led by those who have been most marginalized.

I ran for President in 2020 because I loved this country, not just for myself, but for all of us. I ran to wipe away the stain of division and to restore the dignity of our democratic process. I ran to ensure that the promise of America—that all men and women are created equal—is not just an ideal, but a reality for every citizen.

As I prepare to step aside, I am filled not with sadness, but with hope. Hope that America will continue to evolve, to grow, and to strive towards the greatness that has always been within our grasp. I acknowledge that life is replete with cycles of death and rebirth, and that now is the time for a new beginning. Kamala Harris is the next standard-bearer for our nation. Let us help her lead, let us help her win, and let us discover an America that lives beyond our wildest and best imagination.

This is our moment. Let us embrace it with courage, with faith, and with the conviction that our best days are still ahead. Together, we will continue the journey toward a more perfect union, one that is marked not by the desire to oppress but by the resolve to uplift every American.

Thank you, and may God bless the United States of America.