Joe Biden Withdraws from Re-election, Supports Kamala Harris
New Delhi: In a dramatic turn of events, President Joe Biden withdraws from re-election 2024 U.S. on Sunday, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s new nominee. This unexpected move has significantly altered the political landscape, shaking up an already extraordinary race for the White House.
Biden, 81, cited the “best interest of my party and the country” as his primary motivation for stepping down, following weeks of mounting pressure after a lackluster June debate against Donald Trump, which raised concerns about his age and mental acuity. The announcement came without warning as Biden recuperated from COVID-19 at his Delaware beach house. The decision has thrown the Democratic Party into disarray as it prepares for the November 5 election. However, it may also inject new energy into the party, as Harris, the first Black and South Asian woman vice president, swiftly confirmed her ambition to become America’s first woman president and to “defeat Donald Trump.”
Trump responded on his Truth Social network, asserting that Biden’s decision not to run indicates he is also unfit to serve as president. This development forces Republicans to recalibrate their strategy, which had been heavily focused on a rematch against Biden, and now face the prospect of competing against a significantly younger opponent. Biden’s move transforms the election from an anticipated and unpopular Trump-Biden rematch into one of the most compelling presidential campaigns in recent memory. His withdrawal, though long speculated, was sudden. In a letter posted on X, Biden called serving as president the “greatest honor of my life” and pledged to focus on fulfilling his duties for the remainder of his term.
Endorsements for Harris poured in immediately, with significant backing from Democratic leaders and potential rivals, such as California Governor Gavin Newsom. The Democratic fundraising group Act Blue reported Harris received $27.5 million in small-donor contributions within hours of Biden’s announcement. Democrats are now racing to confirm Harris as the nominee at their party convention in Chicago on August 19. Harris praised Biden’s “selfless and patriotic act” and vowed to “earn and win” the nomination, setting the stage for a historic and fiercely contested election.
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