Biden to give first speech since quitting White House race

US President Joe Biden will address the nation from the White House on Wednesday night to explain his historic decision to step aside as the Democratic candidate in the upcoming November election.

The Oval Office address marks his first public remarks since the 21 July announcement, which paved the way for Vice-President Kamala Harris to become the presumptive nominee.

Mr Biden is also expected to lay out his plans to "finish the job for the American people" before the end of his term in January next year.

Ms Harris, who earlier this week secured the support of a majority of Democratic delegates, has already received an endorsement from the current president.

In the first 36 hours after the announcement, the fledging Harris campaign raised over more than $100 (£77m) - a record breaking sum.

In his Sunday announcement that he was quitting the race, Mr Biden said that he would speak "in more detail" about his decision when he addresses the US.

He will speak at 20:00 local time (01:00 BST) on Wednesday.

The 81-year-old's decision has upended an already dramatic race for the White House, and followed weeks of mounting pressure from political allies in the wake of a disastrous performance against Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump on 27 June.

Many of Mr Biden's political allies praised his decision to step away from the race, including his former boss, Barack Obama.

"Joe Biden has been one of America's most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me," Mr Obama said in a statement. "We've also been reminded - again - that he's a patriot of the highest order."

Ms Harris, for her part, has already begun campaigning. On Tuesday, she addressed a crowd of approximately 3,000 in a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In her remarks, she lauded Mr Biden's decades-long "legacy of accomplishment", adding that it was "been one of the great honours of my life" to serve under him in the administration.

"In one term...he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who served two terms in office," she said. "I know we are all deeply, deeply grateful for his continuing service to our nation."

Mr Biden's former electoral rival, Donald Trump, told CBS, the BC's US partner, that the decision was "a shock to the country".

He added that Mr Biden "shouldn't have been our president".

Some Republicans have also called for Mr Biden to step down as president, arguing that he cannot conduct his duties in office if he cannot campaign.

Mr Biden has shown no indication of doing so and vowed to stay in the White House until the end of his term.

On Thursday, Mr Biden is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, as well as with the families of US hostages still being held in Gaza.