How to watch President Joe Biden’s speech on his decision to end his reelection bid live online for free—without cable
Joe Biden sent shockwaves through the political landscape Sunday, announcing plans to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election.
With his decision to step aside and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination, Biden found a way for Democrats to close the gap with Donald Trump in polls and give them an improved chance to hang onto the White House after his disastrous performance in a one-on-one debate with Trump in June.
“I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden said, promising to address the nation later this week.
That happens tonight, and it will be the first extensive comments Biden has made about the decision. Whether you’re on the go or on your couch, there should be plenty of opportunities to watch his remarks.
When will President Biden address the nation?
Biden said he plans to speak “on what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people” at 8 p.m. ET. on July 24.
How can I watch President Biden’s address for free?
It will be pretty hard to escape. All of the major networks—ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox—are expected to interrupt their normal programming to carry the address live. The best way to watch that for free on a big screen is with a good HD antenna. Be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your home to find the most reliable signal.
Can I stream President Biden’s address live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
Certainly—and in a wide variety of ways! The White House is expected to stream the remarks live on its website as well as YouTube. And every news network will carry it not only on their air, but will livestream it via their Website and select social-media channels.
You can also watch via one of several streaming services:
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service often simulcasts live events, and Biden’s address will be one of them. The service does not offer a free trial, but plans start at $7.99 per month (with students having the opportunity to subscribe for $1.99 per month).
Max
The former HBO Max, owned by CNN’s parent company, will carry the Oval Office address live. Subscriptions start at $10 per month.
Disney+
Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $15 per month for all three combined (or $25 per month for no ads on Hulu).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $77 per month ($90 with no ads).
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service is no longer offered, as well. It will now cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After up to a two-week trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling lower-tiered “Orange” plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, unfortunately.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $75 per month and up after the free trial option.
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $75 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Is this President Biden’s farewell address?
No. Biden will remain in office to the end of his term. Instead, expect him to focus more on the campaign and what he would like to see done in the years to come, as well as another endorsement for Harris. He will say his final goodbyes closer to January 2025, as he prepares to leave office.