22 July: In a surprising move, President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race on Sunday, citing a poor debate performance that raised concerns about his fitness for office. The announcement, less than four months before the election, has dramatically reshaped the political landscape.
Biden, who plans to serve out his term, has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, urging the Democratic Party to unite behind her. This decision positions Harris as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination at the August convention in Chicago.
This shift follows a series of tumultuous events, including an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Biden’s decision is unprecedented, with no prior nominee stepping down so close to an election. His move comes after increasing pressure from Democratic allies following a problematic debate performance on June 27.
In a letter posted on social media, Biden stated, “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President… I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down.” He subsequently endorsed Harris, calling for party unity to defeat Trump.
Harris, in her response, praised Biden’s decision as a “selfless and patriotic act” and committed to uniting the Democratic Party and the nation against Trump’s agenda. She faces the immediate tasks of securing delegate votes, selecting a running mate, and transitioning Biden’s campaign apparatus to support her candidacy. If elected, Harris would make history as the first woman and the first person of South Asian descent to become president.
Prominent endorsements for Harris came swiftly from the Congressional Black Caucus and former President Bill Clinton, while former President Barack Obama pledged to support the eventual nominee. Harris’s candidacy marks a significant moment in U.S. political history as she prepares to lead the Democratic Party into the 2024 election.
