In a historic and unexpected turn of events, President Joe Biden has announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee. The decision, which Biden described as being in “the best interest of my party and the country,” follows mounting concerns about his health and ability to lead.
Biden made the announcement in an open letter posted on X (formerly Twitter) just before 4am AEST on Monday. He emphasized his intention to fulfill his current term, which ends on January 20, 2025. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president,” Biden wrote. “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.”
Endorsement of Kamala Harris
In his letter, Biden did not immediately endorse Harris, but a subsequent statement confirmed his support for her candidacy. “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,” Biden said. “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
Trump’s reaction
Former President Donald Trump, who has been a vocal critic of Biden, quickly responded to the news on his Truth Social platform, stating that Biden was “not fit to run for president.” He added, “We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Biden’s legacy and party dynamics
Biden’s decision comes as he has been isolating at his Delaware beach house after being diagnosed with COVID-19 last week. He has been consulting with close confidants and family members about his political future. Despite Biden’s accomplishments during his term, including steering the nation through a pandemic recovery and passing major bipartisan legislation, his age and health have been persistent concerns among Democrats.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg were among those who praised Biden’s legacy. Newsom stated that Biden would “go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents.” Buttigieg echoed these sentiments, adding that Biden had “earned his place among the best and most consequential presidents in American history.”
Historical context and future challenges
Biden’s withdrawal is unprecedented so close to an election. The only comparable instance is President Lyndon Johnson’s decision not to seek another term in March 1968. The Democratic Party now faces the urgent task of uniting behind Harris and convincing voters that she can handle the presidency and defeat Trump.
Biden’s age and health had been focal points of concern, especially following a poor debate performance against Trump on June 27. This performance exacerbated fears among Democrats about Biden’s ability to endure another term. Polls indicated that a majority of Americans viewed Biden as too old for a second term, with similar concerns extending to Trump, who is only three years younger.
Biden’s decision to run was deeply influenced by his opposition to Trump, particularly after the 2017 Charlottesville rally and Trump’s comments that followed. Biden’s presidency has been marked by significant challenges and achievements, and his decision to step aside reflects a recognition of the need for new leadership in the face of an increasingly contentious political landscape.
As the Democratic Party prepares for its convention in Chicago, all eyes will be on Kamala Harris as she takes up the mantle to challenge Trump in the upcoming election. The coming months will be crucial for both parties as they navigate this unexpected shift and prepare for the November showdown.
Joe Biden’s full letter:
My Fellow Americans,
Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a nation.
Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.
I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our Democracy. And we’ve revitalised and strengthened our alliances around the world.
It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your president. And 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.
I will speak to the nation alter this week in more detail about my decision.
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.
