WASHINGTON D.C. – In a stunning development, U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, citing concerns over his viability as a candidate following a contentious debate performance late last month.
“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 to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden stated in a message posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
He added that he would address the nation later this week to provide more details about his decision.
In a separate post, President Biden offered his full support and endorsement to Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. “Democrats – it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this,” he wrote, signaling a unifying call to his party.
The announcement concludes weeks of speculation after reports surfaced that high-profile Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, had urged Biden to step aside.
This unprecedented move marks the first time a sitting U.S. president and presumptive nominee has exited the race at such a late stage in the election process. Biden’s decision underscores the challenges his campaign faced following the debate against former President Donald Trump, who accepted the Republican nomination last Thursday.
Despite initial resistance, including public appearances and meetings with Democratic officials to reaffirm his commitment to the campaign, Biden ultimately chose to prioritize party unity. Just a day before his announcement, he had posted on X emphasizing the election’s importance and declared, “I will win it.”
Analysts note that recent polls have shown Trump leading Biden in key battleground states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, according to Real Clear Politics averages. The shifting dynamics have intensified pressure within the Democratic Party to rally behind a candidate who can secure victory in the upcoming election.
Vice President Harris, now poised to become the Democratic nominee, is expected to address the nation in the coming days to outline her vision for the country and her plans for the campaign ahead.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
