In a stunning turn of events, President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, citing the need to focus on his current duties and the best interests of the country. In his statement, Biden expressed his full support for Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsing her as the Democratic nominee for the upcoming election. The decision comes as Biden continues to recover from COVID-19 at his Rehoboth Beach home and follows intense scrutiny over his health and performance in a recent debate.
Former President Donald Trump, who was officially nominated by the Republican Party last week, reacted to Biden’s departure by criticizing the current administration and expressing confidence that Harris would be an easier opponent. Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign has expressed frustration at having to adjust its strategy so late in the race. Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison announced that the party will undertake a transparent process to select a new nominee, with many delegates expected to support Harris.
Biden’s withdrawal marks the first time a sitting president eligible for reelection has dropped out of the race since Lyndon Johnson in 1968. The Democratic National Convention, scheduled to begin on August 19 in Chicago, will be the stage for finalizing the nominee. In the interim, delegates will play a crucial role in determining Harris’s candidacy and ensuring a unified front against Trump’s campaign.
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