In a stunning turn of events, US President Joe Biden has announced he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race. This decision, influenced by mounting pressure from within his own party, has thrown the race for the White House into disarray just months before the election.
Mounting Pressure from Democrats
At 81 years old, President Biden faced growing concerns about his ability to campaign effectively against Republican frontrunner Donald Trump. More than 30 Democratic Congress members publicly urged him to step aside, citing his age and recent performance issues. Behind closed doors, influential Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, were reportedly advising Biden to withdraw.
Biden’s Announcement
On social media, Biden shared a heartfelt message explaining his decision. “While I intended to seek reelection, it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to step down and focus on fulfilling my duties as President,” he wrote. Biden expressed deep gratitude for Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsing her as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 election. “Picking Kamala Harris as my Vice President was the best decision I made. Today, I fully endorse her as our party’s nominee,” he stated.
Immediate Reactions
Biden’s endorsement of Kamala Harris has positioned her as the likely Democratic nominee. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer quickly voiced their support. Newsom praised Biden as a “history-making president” who delivered for working Americans, while Whitmer called him a “great public servant.”
Republican Criticism
Republicans wasted no time in criticizing Biden’s move. Missouri Senator Josh Hawley suggested Biden should resign from office, while Donald Trump’s campaign labeled the exit as a “complete disgrace.” In an interview, Trump declared, “Biden should never have been president. He should have stayed in his basement.”
An Unprecedented Move
Biden’s decision to exit the race so close to the Democratic National Convention and the general election is unprecedented in modern political history. The last sitting president to abandon a re-election bid was Lyndon Johnson in 1968, but that announcement came eight months before the election, not a mere four months.
“We’re in uncharted waters,” said Barbara Perry, a presidential studies professor at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center. “No president has dropped out or died this close to the convention.”
The Path Forward
With Biden’s departure, the Democratic Party faces an urgent need to consolidate around a new candidate. Vice President Kamala Harris, now Biden’s endorsed successor, is poised to challenge Donald Trump in what promises to be a fiercely contested election.
As the political landscape rapidly shifts, one thing is certain: the 2024 election will be one of the most unpredictable and significant in American history.
