President Joe Biden has announced his withdrawal from the 2024 US presidential race, leaving the Democratic nomination open just months before the election. Citing concerns about his age and health, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. This unprecedented move, coming days be
In a shocking turn of events, President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is withdrawing from the 2024 US presidential race. This decision comes just four months before the November election and only days before the Democratic National Convention, creating a significant upheaval within the Democratic Party. Biden’s departure from the race leaves the Democratic nomination wide open, as the party scrambles to find a suitable candidate to face the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump.
President Biden, aged 81, cited concerns about his age and physical capability as primary reasons for his withdrawal. He acknowledged the relentless pressure from his closest allies who urged him to step down, fearing that he would not be able to defeat Trump in the upcoming election. Biden’s decision to abandon his re-election bid has thrown the 2024 presidential contest into chaos, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of this election cycle.
Biden’s Withdrawal:
- Announcement: President Biden made his withdrawal announcement on Sunday, highlighting that stepping down is in the best interest of his party and the country.
- Reason: He cited relentless pressure from allies and concerns about his age and health as reasons for his decision.
- Statement: Biden expressed it has been an honor to serve as president and emphasized his commitment to fulfilling his duties for the remainder of his term.
Endorsement of Kamala Harris:
- Endorsement: Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the Democratic nominee.
- Social Media Post: He praised Harris as an “extraordinary partner” and called for Democrats to unite and defeat Trump.
Immediate Reactions:
- Democratic Support: Biden’s endorsement of Harris received immediate support from prominent Democrats, including Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Pramila Jayapal, Tammy Baldwin, and Andy Kim.
- Political Uncertainty: Biden’s decision ends one crisis but starts another, as the Democratic Party now must decide whether to rally around Harris or find another nominee.
Historical Context:
- Unprecedented Move: No sitting American president has ever dropped out of a race this late in the election cycle.
- Democratic National Convention: Scheduled to begin on August 19 in Chicago, the convention was supposed to formally nominate Biden. Now, Democrats have less than a month to select a new nominee.
Spotlight on Kamala Harris:
- Scrutiny: Harris is under intense scrutiny as the potential nominee, with debates on whether she can effectively challenge Trump.
- Party Dynamics: Some argue that bypassing Harris, the first Black vice president, could fracture the party.
Age Concerns:
- Age Factor: Concerns about Biden’s age have been longstanding, with polls indicating a preference for a younger candidate.
- Debate Performance: Biden’s debate with Trump on June 27, where he appeared frail and confused, highlighted his limitations.
Trump’s Reaction:
- Criticism: Trump seized the moment to criticize Biden, claiming he was never fit to be president.
- Fundraising: Trump is using Biden’s withdrawal to raise funds, criticizing the “Washington establishment” and the “deep state” for protecting Biden.
