It was Joe Biden’s first chance to define how he will be judged by history.In a rare televised address from the Oval Office on Wednesday night, his first public comments since he abruptly ended his re-election bid on Sunday, he spoke of his accomplishments. He spoke of his humble roots. He sang the praises of the American people. He said the future of American democracy lies in their hands.What he didn’t do, despite saying he would always level with Americans, was provide a direct explanation for the biggest question of the day. He didn’t say why he has become the first incumbent president to abandon a re-election bid, just a few months before voting begins. And that is what the history books will be most interested in.He hinted at it. He talked around it. But he never tackled it head on. It was left for the American people to read between the lines.“In recent weeks,” Mr Biden said, “it’s become clear to me that I need to unite my party.”He then echoed what has become…
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