Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he will not run for president in 2024 and supported Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic nominee.
This surprising decision changes the race for the White House, as Biden, who is 81 years old, decided to step aside after facing pressure from Democrats.
His decision came after a poor debate performance, which has created uncertainty in the race against Republican Donald Trump.
Biden wrote in a letter on X (formerly Twitter), “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, who is recovering from COVID-19 at his beach house in Delaware, plans to speak more about his decision later this week.
He expressed full support for Harris, who is the first female, Black, and South Asian vice president. She now aims to become the first female president of the United States.
Biden stated, “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
This makes Biden the first president in US history to drop out so late in an election race, as concerns about his health and mental fitness were factors in his decision.
Trump responded by saying Biden was never “fit to run” or “fit to serve” as president.
After the debate on June 27, many within Biden’s party urged him to step down. Influential figures, from actor George Clooney to former president Barack Obama, were among those calling for his resignation.
The final decision came after Biden contracted COVID-19, forcing him into isolation.
Biden’s withdrawal adds to a tense period in the US election, especially after Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally on July 13.
Biden joins the ranks of US presidents who left after one term, like Lyndon Johnson in 1968, a year of political unrest and violence. Johnson’s vice president, Hubert Humphrey, lost the election to Richard Nixon.
Democrats hope Harris will do better and prevent Trump, a convicted felon, from returning to the White House. Recent surveys showed Harris performing well against Trump.
Harris has become a strong campaigner, especially on issues like abortion rights. She highlights her historic role as the first female, Black, and South Asian vice president.
Unless there is opposition within her party, Harris will be nominated at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 19. This will be a significant and emotional moment for Biden.
Biden took office in January 2021, aiming to heal the nation after Trump’s tumultuous presidency and the January 6 Capitol attack.
Despite challenges, he passed major COVID-19 recovery and green industry plans. Allies praised his commitment to international alliances and support for Ukraine against Russia.
However, Biden faced criticism over the Afghanistan withdrawal and inflation. Concerns about his age and several public missteps also affected his image.
Now, Biden’s decision to step down marks a dramatic turn in the 2024 presidential race.
