HomeWorld NewsUS Presidential Election 2024 | Joe Biden drops out, endorses Kamala Harris
No presumptive presidential nominee has withdrawn so close to an election before, with the nearest example being President Lyndon Johnson’s exit in March 1968 during the Vietnam War. Biden has endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, to be the new nominee.
By Vijay Anand July 22, 2024, 12:26:24 AM IST (Updated)
US President Joe Biden has dropped his bid for re-election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic Party’s nomination.
This sudden — but unsurprising — move comes after a disastrous performance in the first debate against former President Donald Trump, which sent waves of panic through the Democratic party, urging several prominent lawmakers and influential donors to end his campaign in favour of someone who has a better chance at beating Trump.
The 81-year-old president, who plans to serve the remainder of his term until January 20, 2025, expressed in a letter posted to his X account that stepping aside is in the best interest of his party and the nation.
“It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your President. While I intended to seek reelection, I believe it is best for me to focus solely on fulfilling my duties for the remainder of my term,” Biden stated.
My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best… pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
Currently recuperating at his Delaware beach house after a recent COVID-19 diagnosis, Biden indicated he would address the nation later this week to provide more details about his decision.
The White House has confirmed the authenticity of his letter.
Harris is seen as the best bet for the Democratic party to win the November 5 election.
My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best… pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
The announcement comes at a critical time, as both parties prepare for what is anticipated to be one of the most consequential elections in recent history, especially following the recent attempted assassination of former President Trump.
This year’s election is anticipated to be one of the most consequential in recent history, especially following the recent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. (Image: AP)
Historically, no presumptive presidential nominee has exited the race so close to an election. The closest parallel is President Lyndon Johnson, who withdrew in March 1968 amidst the Vietnam War. Now, Democrats face the urgent task of re-organising their election strategy while Trump shifts his focus to a new opponent.
Biden’s exit marks a significant conclusion to his 52 years in electoral politics, as donors and lawmakers voiced their doubts about his ability to serve another term.
Although Biden secured the majority of delegates and nearly all nominating contests, his withdrawal leaves those delegates free to support another candidate.
Vice President Kamala Harris, 59, is the only candidate able to tap into the Biden campaign’s financial resources. (Image: AP)
The Democratic National Convention is scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago, with plans for a virtual roll call to formally nominate Biden prior to the in-person proceedings. However, with Biden’s withdrawal, the timeline for this roll call remains uncertain, and Harris may face competition from other candidates.
Throughout his presidency, Biden has faced scrutiny regarding his age and capabilities, particularly following his debate performance, which raised concerns among Democrats and donors about his viability for another term. Polls have shown that many Americans view him as too old for reelection.
Also read: Can Kamala Harris take on Donald Trump?
First Published:
Jul 21, 2024 11:36 PM
IST
