 Over the past few days, I've been reflecting on all this. My season of service is nearing its close. This is a hard truth to face, but it is the natural course of things, as evident as the progression from spring to summer, from fall to winter. That is why I have decided to withdraw from the campaign for president of the United States. A large part of me wants to stay in the fight, but at this moment, the nation needs something I cannot provide, a leader with the energy to run a vigorous campaign and then to work for America at all hours for the next four years.