Biden Ends Reelection Bid, Endorses Harris for 2024 Presidential Race
In a stunning political development, U.S. President Joe Biden has announced the end of his 2024 reelection campaign and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee. This decision comes as Biden recovers from his third bout with COVID-19 at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, vacation home.
Facing declining national polling numbers against former President Donald Trump, Biden, 81, made the announcement amid growing pressure from Democratic leaders who questioned his ability to secure a second term. Biden’s faltering debate performance against Trump in late June intensified calls for him to step down.
In his statement, Biden emphasized his commitment to his current presidential duties, stating, “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 reminder of my term,” which ends in January. He praised Harris as an “extraordinary partner” and offered his full support for her presidential bid.
Harris, 59, immediately declared her intention to seek the Democratic nomination, aiming to become the first Black woman and South Asian presidential nominee of a major U.S. party. Her approval ratings have mirrored Biden’s, but recent polls suggest she may perform slightly better against Trump.
Harris expressed her gratitude for Biden’s endorsement, stating, “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party – and unite our nation – to defeat Donald Trump.” She emphasized the urgency of the campaign with just 107 days until Election Day.
Trump quickly criticized Biden’s withdrawal, calling him unfit to serve. Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, echoed this sentiment, urging Biden to resign immediately due to concerns about his fitness to remain in office.
Democratic leaders, however, have praised Biden’s decision. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described Biden as “one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history,” while Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado thanked Biden for his service and highlighted the opportunity this creates for Democrats to defeat Trump.
The Democratic National Convention next month in Chicago will determine the party’s official nominee. While Harris is the frontrunner, the possibility of an open convention could introduce other candidates, such as Governors Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, and Gavin Newsom of California.
Biden’s announcement marks a pivotal moment in U.S. politics, setting the stage for a potentially historic presidential election.
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