President Joe Biden addressed the American people Wednesday in a rare appearance in the Oval Office about his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential contest and what to anticipate from him in the upcoming six months.

The speech’s complete transcript can be found below.

THE PRESIDENT: To my fellow citizens, Tonight, I’m talking to you from the Oval Office behind the Resolute Desk.

I am surrounded by portraits of notable American presidents in this hallowed area. Thomas Jefferson, whose timeless words serve as this country’s compass. We learned from George Washington that presidents are not kings. Abraham Lincoln, who pleaded with us to avoid hatred. Franklin Roosevelt encouraged us to face our fears.

I love my country more than I love this office.

Serving as your president has been the greatest honor of my life. However, I believe it is more significant than any title in the defense of democracy, which is at risk.

Working for the American people gives me strength and makes me happy. It’s not about me, though, this holy work of perfecting our Union. It concerns you, your loved ones, and your prospects. “We the People” are the focus. I have never forgotten that, and neither can we.

I have stated unequivocally that I think America is at a turning point, one of the few times in history when the choices we make today will affect the course of our country and the world for many years to come. America will have to decide between going forward and going backward, between unity and division, between hope and hate.

We must determine whether we still value freedom, justice, democracy, and honesty, decency, and respect.