President Joe Biden has announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.
This significant announcement comes just four months before Americans head to the polls, dramatically reshaping the landscape of the upcoming election.
The decision follows weeks of mounting pressure from fellow Democrats, particularly after Biden’s lackluster performance in a debate against Republican contender Donald Trump at the end of June.
Critics highlighted Biden’s occasional incoherence and weakened voice during the debate, which his party attributed to a cold.
In a heartfelt letter posted on his social media account Sunday evening, Biden expressed his honor in serving as president and explained his decision to step aside. “And 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 the duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote.
He took the opportunity to thank Kamala Harris, calling her an “extraordinary partner,” and extended his gratitude to the American people for their faith and trust in him. “I believe today and always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America,” he emphasized.
The president, who was diagnosed with Covid last week and has been recuperating at his home in Delaware, had indicated on Friday that he was eager to return to the campaign trail. However, this latest development marks a significant shift in his plans. Biden, who had previously stated that only the “Lord Almighty” could make him withdraw from the race, acknowledged that he would consider stepping down if faced with a health condition.
Biden’s statement concluded with an announcement that he would address the nation on this matter next week, signaling a new chapter in the 2024 presidential race. This endorsement of Kamala Harris positions her as a prominent contender and brings a renewed focus to her campaign as the Democratic Party prepares for the upcoming election.