REHOBOTH BEACH, Delaware — President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate to face Republican Donald Trump in the upcoming November election. This decision, announced on Sunday, comes amid increasing pressure from fellow Democrats and widespread concerns about Biden’s age and recent health issues.
At 81, Biden is the oldest individual to have served as President of the United States. He confirmed he would remain in office until his term concludes on January 20, 2025, and plans to address the nation later this week. Biden has been isolating at his residence in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, following a positive COVID-19 test last week.
“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 on social media platform X.
This significant development alters the dynamics of the 2024 presidential race, which has already been tumultuous. Notable recent events include Biden’s underwhelming performance in the June 27 debate, which led many Democrats to urge his withdrawal, and the attempted assassination of former President Trump on July 13. Additionally, Trump recently announced Senator JD Vance as his vice-presidential running mate.
In response to Biden’s withdrawal, Trump criticized him, claiming Biden was “not fit to run” and “certainly not fit to serve” as president. “We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump posted on his Truth Social network.
Public opinion polls have shown widespread dissatisfaction with the prospect of a Biden-Trump rematch. Trump expressed confidence to CNN that Harris would be easier to defeat in the general election. If Harris secures the nomination, she would be the first Black and Asian American woman to run for the presidency under a major party in U.S. history, a significant milestone for the Democratic Party.
Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison indicated that the party would soon provide further details on the nomination process. This marks the first instance in over fifty years of an incumbent president relinquishing his party’s nomination. Harris, 59, previously served as California’s Attorney General and as a U.S. Senator, and ran against Biden in the 2020 primaries.
“My intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris said in a statement. “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party — and unite our nation — to defeat Donald Trump.” Harris’s campaign team has already begun efforts to secure delegate support ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago from August 19-22.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised Biden’s decision and endorsed Harris, highlighting Biden’s “extraordinary career of service.” Similarly, former President Barack Obama lauded Biden’s choice but cautioned about the challenges ahead.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi described Biden as “one of the most consequential Presidents in American history,” commending his dedication to the country. However, internal opposition to Biden’s campaign had been growing, with 36 congressional Democrats calling for his withdrawal due to concerns over his mental acuity and potential impacts on the party’s control of Congress.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro endorsed Harris, joining other Democratic leaders who praised Biden but did not explicitly support Harris. Despite initially struggling with approval ratings, Harris has become more prominent over the past year, advocating for key issues like abortion rights and connecting with core voter demographics.
As Biden steps back, Harris emerges as a leading figure in the Democratic Party, potentially making history as the first Black woman to lead a major-party ticket in the United States.
