President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race, a decision that reshapes the political landscape just months before Election Day. In a stunning announcement on Sunday, Biden, 81, cited the best interests of his party and the country as reasons for stepping down, bringing an end to a political career that spans half a century.
"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And 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 wrote in a letter posted to social media. He plans to address the nation in more detail later this week.
In the same letter, Biden expressed his gratitude to Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsing her as the Democratic nominee. "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 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," Biden stated.
Mounting Pressure from Within
Biden's decision follows weeks of growing pressure from within the Democratic Party. His frail performance in a June 27 debate, where he struggled to finish sentences and appeared confused, intensified concerns about his ability to effectively campaign against former President Donald Trump and serve another term. Despite acknowledging that he had a bad night due to a cold, the president's aides could not quell the rising tide of doubt among Democratic lawmakers and supporters.
More than 30 Democratic lawmakers had called on Biden to step down, arguing that his continued candidacy could jeopardize the party's chances in November and down-ballot races. Key figures such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had bluntly expressed their concerns to Biden.
Reaction from Allies and Critics
California Governor Gavin Newsom praised Biden as "an extraordinary, history-making president," highlighting his leadership and the significant progress made under his administration. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer echoed these sentiments, calling Biden a “great public servant” and emphasizing her commitment to electing Democrats and defeating Trump.
Republicans, on the other hand, seized the opportunity to criticize Biden’s decision. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri suggested that if Biden could not run a political campaign, he should not remain President. Former President Donald Trump called Biden "the worst president in the history of the United States by far" and reiterated his view that Biden should never have been in the race.
An Unprecedented Decision
Biden’s withdrawal from the race is unprecedented in modern American politics. The last sitting president to abandon a re-election bid was Lyndon Johnson in 1968, but Johnson's announcement came much earlier in the election cycle. Biden's decision so close to the Democratic National Convention introduces significant uncertainty and complexity to the race.
Political analysts, such as Barbara Perry from the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, emphasize the uncharted nature of this development. "We’re in uncharted waters. No president has dropped out or died this close to the convention," Perry noted.
Challenges Ahead for the Democratic Party
With Biden stepping down, the Democratic Party must quickly rally around a new candidate. While Vice President Kamala Harris is the natural successor, her approval ratings are lukewarm, and the party faces the challenge of unifying behind her or another potential candidate. This internal turmoil could impact the party's ability to mount a cohesive and effective campaign against Trump.
The Road to November
Biden’s decision to exit the race underscores the significant challenges he faced, particularly regarding his age and perceived mental acuity. His campaign had hoped that an early debate would help shift the polls in his favor, but it instead highlighted his vulnerabilities.
The president’s withdrawal opens the door for intense political maneuvering within the Democratic Party as factions vie for influence and position ahead of the convention. The legal and logistical hurdles of placing a new candidate on the ballot add another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous election cycle.
As Democrats work to consolidate support behind a new nominee, they must also prepare for potential legal challenges from Republicans and navigate the public's perception of their internal divisions. The upcoming months will be crucial in determining the party's ability to maintain unity and present a strong front against a reinvigorated Trump campaign.