President Joe Biden, 81, announced he will serve out the remainder of his term but will not seek reelection. In a significant political shift, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for 2024. Former President Donald Trump expressed confidence, stating he believes Harris will be easier to defeat in the upcoming election. Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee is preparing the next steps for the campaign, while Republicans are hinting at a potential legal challenge to the nomination switch.
Biden Ends Reelection Bid, Endorses Harris for 2024 Nomination
In a surprising statement, President Joe Biden declared on social media platform X that he’ll now not are looking for reelection and rather will endorse Vice President Kamala Harris because the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. Biden, who has been separating at his domestic in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, after testing fine for COVID-19 final week, stated he will maintain to fulfill his presidential responsibilities till his time period concludes in January 2025.
“While it has been my goal to are searching for reelection, I believe it is within the quality hobby of my birthday party and the USA For me to stand down and to recognition solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the the rest of my term,” Biden wrote.
DNC’s Response and Historical Context
Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison assured that the party will soon outline the next steps for the nomination process. This marks the first time in over 50 years that an incumbent U.S. president has relinquished his party’s nomination. The last occurrence was during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s term amid the Vietnam War in March 1968.
Struggles Leading to the Decision
Biden’s decision follows a challenging period for his campaign, particularly after a June 27 debate against former President Donald Trump. The debate performance raised concerns about Biden’s ability to serve another term, leading to increasing calls from within his party for him to step down. Over the past week, 36 congressional Democrats publicly urged Biden to end his campaign, fearing a loss not only of the White House but also control of Congress.
Biden’s campaign faced further difficulties when his debate gaffes and recent health issues brought his fitness for office into question. Biden had initially planned to continue his campaign but changed his mind last Sunday afternoon after consultations with his senior team.
The Road Ahead
The Democratic Party now faces the mission of rallying around a brand-new candidate. While Harris is broadly seen as the nominee in all likelihood, it remains to be visible if other senior Democrats will undertake her for the nomination. Public opinion polling indicates that Harris performs comparably to Biden against Trump, with a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll displaying them tied at 44% guide each in a hypothetical matchup.
Republican Reactions
Republicans had been quick to criticize Biden’s selection. Congressional Republicans have known that Biden should surrender right away, which might elevate Harris to the presidency and vicinity of House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, next in the line of succession. Johnson also indicated that Republicans may mount felony challenges to the Democrats’ efforts to update Biden on the ballot.
Democratic Unity and Challenges
Biden’s departure has intensified the spotlight on Harris, who would make history as the first Black woman to lead a major-party ticket. The Democratic Party is navigating a crucial period, with Biden’s departure setting the stage for a stark contrast between Harris and Trump, who faces multiple legal challenges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
