President Joe Biden declared the end of his re-election campaign. He has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
On Sunday, President Joe Biden declared the end of his re-election campaign, abruptly closing a political career that spans over five decades. This decision has significantly altered the race for the White House, less than four months before Election Day.
Biden, 81, was unable to quell rising concerns within his party about his ability to serve and his chances against Donald Trump in November. Instead, he has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
Also Read:- U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Passes Away at 74
“Although I intended to seek re-election, I believe it is best for my party and the nation for me to step down and focus solely on my presidential duties for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote in a letter shared on X. He added that he would address the nation in more detail about his decision later in the week.
In his letter, Biden expressed gratitude to Harris for being an exceptional partner and endorsed her in a subsequent post. “Choosing Kamala Harris as my Vice President was my best decision in 2020. Today, I fully support and endorse her to be our party’s nominee this year,” he posted.
Biden and Harris had multiple discussions on Sunday before the president’s announcement, according to a campaign source.
Harris, in a statement, thanked Biden for his remarkable leadership and legacy. “I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” she stated. “I will do everything possible to unite the Democratic Party and our nation to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.”
Also Read:- Former First Lady Melania Trump Appeared at Republican National Convention
Biden, who had previously insisted he would remain in the race, informed his senior team of his decision to withdraw at 1:45 p.m. ET, with the public announcement following shortly after.
Biden’s decision marks the end of a distinguished political career that began with Richard Nixon’s fall and concludes with Trump’s rise. Over the years, he mounted four presidential campaigns, served 36 years as a U.S. Senator from Delaware, chaired the Judiciary and Foreign Relations committees, and spent eight years as Vice President under Barack Obama.
Political figures quickly reacted to Biden’s announcement. California Governor Gavin Newsom praised Biden as an extraordinary president who fought hard for working people and delivered significant results for Americans. Newsom, a potential Democratic presidential contender, also endorsed Harris, stating that she is best suited to challenge Trump and guide the country in a healthier direction.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, another prominent Democrat, called Biden a “great public servant” and committed to supporting Democrats and opposing Trump in the upcoming election.
First Lady Jill Biden shared her support for her husband’s decision, with her communications director noting her unwavering support for whatever path he chose.
Also Read:- Kai Trump Shares Personal Stories and Defends Grandfather Donald Trump at RNC
Across the political aisle, Republicans criticized Biden’s move, with many calling for his resignation. House Speaker Mike Johnson argued that if Biden is unfit to run for president, he should resign immediately.
Biden’s decision to exit the race so close to the election is unprecedented in modern politics. The last sitting president to withdraw from a re-election bid was Lyndon Johnson in 1968, months before the election.
Replacing Biden on the Democratic ticket is expected to cause internal party shifts, with Harris emerging as the likely successor. Harris, who made history as the first female Vice President and a woman of color, has strong support among African Americans, a key Democratic demographic.
Democratic delegates, unlike their Republican counterparts, are not bound to their candidates, allowing them to vote differently at the convention if they choose. Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison assured that the party would undertake a transparent process to select a candidate who can defeat Trump in November.
Legal questions also arise regarding the mechanics of placing a new name on ballots, with potential challenges from Republicans.
While some high-profile Democrats immediately supported Harris, others, including former President Barack Obama, did not endorse her right away but expressed confidence in the party’s ability to choose a strong nominee.
Also Read:- Elon Musk Publicly Endorses Donald Trump Following Rally Shooting
Harris’s campaign quickly gained momentum, raising $27.5 million in the first five hours after her announcement on ActBlue, the main Democratic online fundraising platform.
Biden faced increasing doubts about his capabilities, especially after a lackluster debate performance against Trump on June 27. Despite efforts to reassure voters of his competence, his poll numbers remained low, and calls for him to step aside grew.
His positive Covid-19 test in mid-July further hampered his campaign efforts, contrasting sharply with Trump’s energized appearances and legal victories.
As the political landscape shifts, Joe Biden‘s departure adds to the chaos of the 2024 presidential race, with Trump continuing to dominate the Republican side despite his legal challenges.