Joe Biden withdraws from 2024 US presidential election race

WASHINGTON,— On Sunday, under mounting pressure from his Democratic colleagues, President Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election and instead endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate to challenge Republican Donald Trump in the upcoming November election.

Biden, at 81, the oldest individual to ever hold the presidency, confirmed he would fulfill his term until January 20, 2025. He plans to address the nation later this week. Biden has been out of the public eye since testing positive for COVID-19 last week and is currently isolating at his residence in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

In a statement on social media, Biden expressed, “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 step aside and focus solely on my presidential duties for the remainder of my term.”

This unexpected move significantly alters the dynamics of the presidential race, which has already seen significant upheaval in recent weeks. Biden’s performance during the June 27 debate was poorly received, leading to calls from fellow Democrats for him to step down. The situation further intensified after a July 13 assassination attempt on former President Trump, 78, who subsequently named U.S. Senator J.D. Vance, 39, as his running mate.

Polls had indicated widespread discontent among Americans regarding a potential Biden-Trump rematch. Following Biden’s announcement, Trump told CNN, “Harris will be easier to beat than Joe Biden would have been.”

Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison indicated that the party would soon communicate the next steps and outline the nomination process. This development marks the first time in over fifty years that an incumbent U.S. president has opted out of the re-election race.

Should Harris, 59, secure the nomination, she would make history as the first Black woman to lead a major-party ticket in the U.S. Harris, a former California attorney general and U.S. senator, had previously run against Biden in the 2020 presidential race.

Harris affirmed her commitment to the race, stating, “My intention is to earn and win this nomination. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and our nation—to defeat Donald Trump.”

Harris’ campaign team and supporters have already begun mobilizing to secure delegate support ahead of the

US Vice President Kamala Harris, February 22, 2024. Photo: The White House/via iKurd.net

Democratic National Convention in Chicago from August 19-22, according to multiple sources. Democratic state party chairs convened on Sunday to discuss rallying behind Harris, with several participants voicing strong support for her.

The push for Biden to step down gained momentum last week, with 36 congressional Democrats publicly urging him to withdraw, citing concerns about his mental sharpness and the potential impact on their chances in the upcoming elections.

Republican candidate Trump, in his CNN interview, reiterated his belief that Harris would be an easier opponent than Biden. His campaign continued to criticize both Biden and Harris on social media, questioning Biden’s fitness to continue serving as president.

In contrast, last week’s Republican convention in Milwaukee showcased unity among delegates behind Trump, whose refusal to accept his 2020 loss to Biden led to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

It remains uncertain if other senior Democrats will challenge Harris for the nomination or if the party will allow an open field. California Governor Gavin Newsom, once considered a potential Biden replacement, endorsed Harris, stating, “With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump’s dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than America’s Vice President, Kamala Harris.”

Potential contenders like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear praised Biden but did not comment on Harris. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed support for Harris, with both being viewed as potential vice-presidential candidates.

Until Saturday night, Biden had indicated to allies his intention to stay in the race but changed his mind on Sunday afternoon. A source familiar with the situation disclosed that Biden informed his senior team of his decision around 1:45 p.m., and the announcement followed shortly after.

Despite Biden’s withdrawal, polling data indicates that Harris does not perform significantly better against Trump than Biden. In a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted after the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump, both Harris and Trump were tied with 44% support each. Trump led Biden 43% to 41% in the same poll, though the difference was within the margin of error.

Congressional Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have called for Biden’s immediate resignation, arguing that his inability to run for president also questions his capability to govern.

Biden’s campaign had $95 million on hand by the end of June, per a Federal Election Commission filing, and experts debate how easily these funds could be redirected to support Harris’ campaign. ActBlue, a fundraising platform, reported raising over $27.5 million for Harris in the first five hours following her campaign launch.

Biden’s decision makes him the first sitting president to decline his party’s nomination since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 during the Vietnam War. Biden was initially seen as a transitional figure in 2020, defeating Trump and rejuvenating his party. However, his age and health have been persistent concerns, exacerbated by a shaky performance during the first debate with Trump.

Top Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, advised Biden that he could not secure a victory. Harris, a former prosecutor, now faces Trump, who has ongoing legal battles from his attempts to overturn the 2020 election and a conviction related to a hush-money payment.

Despite facing little opposition within the Democratic primary, Biden’s support waned among younger, more liberal voters, particularly due to his stance on Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Biden’s support among Black voters and overall enthusiasm for a second term had been tepid. His performance in national polls and key battleground states had been slipping, setting the stage for his withdrawal and Harris’ historic bid.

(With files from Reuters)