In a stunning yet not entirely unexpected turn of events, President Joe Biden announced on Sunday (July 22) that he would not seek re-election in the 2024 presidential race. This announcement, made on his X account, comes after weeks of speculation and mounting concerns about his ability to continue as the Democratic candidate.
Biden, who has been at the center of the nation’s political stage, emphasized that his decision is in the best interest of himself and the country. “I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision,” Biden stated. “For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me. I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.”
In a subsequent statement, Biden fully endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. “My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President,” Biden wrote. “And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.”
This move sets the stage for Harris to become the Democratic nominee, likely pitting her against former President Donald Trump in what promises to be a historic 2024 election.
Biden’s withdrawal follows a tumultuous period marked by concerns about his stamina and mental acuity, particularly highlighted during the June 27 debate. Many viewers and political experts noted the 81-year-old president’s struggle to focus and articulate his points clearly. Although his campaign initially attributed his performance to a cold and later to jet lag from international travel, these explanations did little to quell the growing unease.
Despite these challenges, Biden appeared more energized the following day at a rally, addressing the nation’s concerns head-on. “I don’t walk as easy as I used to,” Biden acknowledged. “I don’t speak as smoothly as I used to. I don’t debate as well as I used to. But I know what I do know: I know how to tell the truth. I know right from wrong. I know how to do this job. I know how to get things done.”
Nevertheless, the pressure from both Democrats and Republicans for Biden to step aside continued to mount. Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas was the first member of Congress from Biden’s party to publicly urge him to withdraw. However, Biden remained defiant until recently, even telling ABC’s George Stephanopoulos that only the “Lord Almighty” would persuade him to drop out.
Adding to the concerns about his health, Biden announced earlier this week that he had contracted COVID-19, further intensifying the scrutiny on his long-term viability as a candidate.
With Biden officially out of the race, all eyes are now on Kamala Harris as she prepares to enter the spotlight. As the 2024 presidential race heats up, the nation braces for what promises to be an intensely competitive and historic election season.
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Fharnell M.
