Biden Withdraws from Re-Election Bid, Harris Endorsed



 President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he will not seek re-election, ending his long and storied political career abruptly just four months before Election Day. Biden, aged 81, acknowledged increasing concerns within his party about his ability to serve another term and his chances against Donald Trump in November. He has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.

A Letter to the Nation



In a letter posted on X, Biden explained his decision: “While it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.” Biden plans to address the nation in more detail later this week.


Endorsement of Kamala Harris



Biden expressed gratitude to Harris for her partnership and endorsed her candidacy in a subsequent post. “My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. It’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today, I offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.”


A Distinguished Career

Biden’s withdrawal marks the end of a significant political journey. His career began in the era of Richard Nixon’s downfall and concludes with Trump’s rise. Biden, who served 36 years in the U.S. Senate, held key roles on the Judiciary and Foreign Relations committees and was Vice President under Barack Obama for eight years.


Reactions Pour In

Political figures quickly responded to Biden’s announcement. California Governor Gavin Newsom praised Biden as an “extraordinary, history-making president” who fought for working people and achieved remarkable results. Newsom, a prominent Biden supporter, has been suggested as a potential presidential candidate.


Naomi Biden, the president’s granddaughter, expressed pride in her “Pop,” praising his service to the country. First Lady Jill Biden shared her husband’s statement with a heart emoji.


Republican Criticism

Republicans criticised Biden’s decision, with many calling for his resignation. Missouri Senator Josh Hawley stated, “If you can’t run a mere political campaign, you can’t be President.”


An Unprecedented Move



Biden’s exit from the race just before his party’s convention and a few months before the election is unprecedented in modern politics. The last sitting president to abandon a re-election bid was Lyndon Johnson in 1968, whose decision came eight months before the election due to the Vietnam War’s impact on the Democratic Party.


Democratic Uncertainty

Biden’s withdrawal has created uncertainty within the Democratic Party. While Harris is a natural successor, her approval rating is low, and other prominent Democrats like Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer and California’s Gavin Newsom could emerge as contenders. The process of placing a new candidate on ballots will likely face legal challenges from Republicans.



Biden’s Struggles

Throughout his presidency, Biden faced questions about his capacity to serve. His debate performance against Trump on June 27 raised concerns about his ability to win in November. Despite his efforts to prove his competence, including press conferences and interviews, Biden’s poll numbers did not improve. His positive Covid-19 test on July 17 further hindered his campaign, contrasting with Trump’s triumphant Republican convention appearance after surviving an assassination attempt.


A Tumultuous Election

Biden’s departure adds to the chaotic nature of the 2024 presidential race. Trump, despite legal battles and a near-assassination, secured the Republican nomination. A series of legal victories, including a Supreme Court ruling and a dismissed case, bolstered Trump’s campaign.


In contrast, Biden’s campaign struggled to generate enthusiasm. An AP-NORC survey released on July 17 showed that 65% of Democrats believed Biden should exit the race. Facing pressure from voters and party leaders, Biden ultimately decided to step aside.


Conclusion



Biden’s decision reshapes the race for the White House, with Harris now in the spotlight. As the Democratic Party navigates this unprecedented situation, the upcoming election promises to be one of the most unpredictable in history.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Duality of Society: A Water Mill’s Reflection on Human Nature

The AI Investment Bubble: A Closer Look at Wall Street's Recent Sell-Off

Jewelry Giants Clash: Titan and Kalyan Jewellers’ Asset-Light Strategies Compared