In a surprising and historic announcement, President Joe Biden declared on Sunday that he will not seek re-election, marking the end of his long political career and significantly altering the landscape of the upcoming presidential race. At 81 years old, Biden faced increasing concerns within his party regarding his ability to serve another term and his chances against former President Donald Trump in the November elections. As a result, Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the Democratic nominee.
“While it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote in a letter posted on X. “I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.”
In his letter, Biden expressed his gratitude to Harris, calling her an “extraordinary partner” and endorsing her in a subsequent post. “My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President,” Biden posted. “And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.”
Sources familiar with the campaign revealed that Biden and Harris discussed the decision ahead of the announcement. This marks the culmination of Biden’s extensive national political career, which began during the Nixon administration and continued through his terms in the U.S. Senate and as Vice President under Barack Obama. Biden’s tenure in politics has been marked by significant achievements and numerous presidential bids.
Reactions to Biden’s decision have poured in from political figures across the spectrum. California Governor Gavin Newsom praised Biden’s presidency, calling him “an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans.” Newsom, who has been a prominent supporter of Biden, has also been mentioned as a potential future presidential candidate.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, another prominent Democrat, described Biden as a “great public servant” and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting Democratic candidates and opposing Trump. “My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump, a convicted felon whose agenda of raising families’ costs, banning abortion nationwide, and abusing the power of the White House to settle his own scores is completely wrong for Michigan,” Whitmer wrote.
Biden’s family also showed their support, with his granddaughter Naomi Biden expressing pride in her grandfather’s service to the country. First Lady Jill Biden posted her husband’s statement on X with a heart emoji, reflecting the personal and emotional impact of this decision on the Biden family.
Meanwhile, Republican reactions have been harsh. Missouri Senator Josh Hawley called on Biden to resign, arguing that if he could not manage a political campaign, he should not be President. Trump’s campaign also criticized Biden, stating in a fundraising email that he “quit the race in complete disgrace.” In an interview with NBC News, Trump labeled Biden “the worst president in the history of the United States by far” and questioned Biden’s initial candidacy.
Biden’s unprecedented decision to withdraw from the race less than a month before the Democratic convention has introduced a new level of uncertainty into the political landscape. Comparisons have been made to President Lyndon Johnson’s withdrawal in 1968, though Biden’s announcement comes much closer to the election date. This move has sparked internal Democratic maneuvering as potential successors, including Harris and governors like Whitmer and Newsom, position themselves for the nomination.
Harris, the first female vice president and a woman of color, appears to be the natural heir apparent. However, her approval ratings and the absence of a clear substitute add to the uncertainty and potential chaos within the party. The logistics of placing a new nominee on ballots also present significant legal challenges that Republicans may exploit.
Throughout his presidency, questions about Biden’s capabilities have persisted, especially following a lackluster debate performance against Trump on June 27. This performance, coupled with stagnant poll numbers and calls from within his own party for him to step down, culminated in his decision to withdraw.
Despite efforts to demonstrate his readiness and capability through interviews and press conferences, Biden continued to face doubts. His bout with COVID-19 in mid-July further complicated his campaign efforts, especially as Trump enjoyed a series of legal and political victories.
Trump’s legal battles have been a focal point of the 2024 presidential race. Despite facing numerous charges and convictions, Trump’s campaign has gained momentum following favorable rulings, including a Supreme Court decision that impeded prosecution efforts and the dismissal of a case related to classified documents. These developments have bolstered Trump’s position and unified Republican support.
Biden’s departure has added another layer of complexity to what is already one of the most tumultuous election cycles in recent memory. As Democrats navigate this new reality, the focus remains on finding a viable candidate to unify the party and present a strong challenge to Trump in November.
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