In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 US presidential election, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s new nominee. The 81-year-old Biden announced his decision after mounting pressure from his party following a problematic debate performance.
“While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden stated. He plans to address the nation later this week with more details about his decision.
My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best… pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
Biden’s exit has created uncertainty within the Democratic Party, now tasked with finding a new candidate for the upcoming election, with Harris emerging as the frontrunner. Biden’s withdrawal marks a historic moment as he becomes the first president to pull out so late in an election race due to concerns over health and mental acuity.
Despite efforts to demonstrate his capability through interviews and a comprehensive press conference, where he mistakenly referred to Harris as “Vice President Trump,” Biden’s fate was ultimately sealed by significant voices within his party, including donor and actor George Clooney and former President Barack Obama.
His decision follows a COVID-19 diagnosis, which kept him off the campaign trail. This move concludes a tumultuous period in US politics, highlighted by an assassination attempt on his rival, Donald Trump, during a campaign rally.
Biden now joins a rare group of presidents who chose not to seek a second term, the last being Lyndon Johnson in 1968. Democrats are optimistic that Harris can outperform her predecessor Hubert Humphrey, who lost to Richard Nixon.
The Biden campaign had been quietly assessing Harris’s potential against Trump, with recent polls indicating her improved performance on critical issues such as abortion rights. Harris, the first woman and first person of Black and South Asian origin to hold the vice presidency, is set to be officially nominated at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 19.
Biden’s presidency began with a commitment to restore America’s unity and international alliances. He achieved significant legislative successes, including a COVID-19 recovery plan and a green industry initiative. However, his administration faced criticism over the Afghanistan withdrawal and rising inflation.
Concerns about Biden’s age and health, exacerbated by public incidents such as stumbling on stairs and falling off a bike, contributed to his decision to step down. Now, the Democratic Party looks to Harris to continue their vision and challenge Trump in the 2024 election.
