President Joe Biden has announced that he will not seek reelection in 2024, opting to support Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee instead. This decision follows significant pressure on Biden after a recent debate performance against former President Donald Trump, which was widely criticized.
On July 21, the 81-year-old incumbent president made a public statement on X.com (formerly Twitter), revealing his choice to step down from the race and focus on his remaining duties in office.
In his statement, Biden expressed that it had been a great honor to serve as President but concluded that it was in the best interest of both his party and the nation for him to withdraw from the presidential race. He emphasized his commitment to completing his term with full dedication and implied that his departure would allow him to concentrate more effectively on his presidential responsibilities.
Following his withdrawal announcement, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his preferred successor. He highlighted his belief that selecting Harris as his Vice President in 2020 was one of his best decisions. Biden urged Democrats to unite behind Harris in the upcoming election to ensure victory over Donald Trump, stressing the importance of solidarity within the party.
With Biden stepping aside, the Democratic National Convention, scheduled for August 19 in Chicago, will now see delegates selecting a new nominee. While Kamala Harris is the most obvious choice given her current role and Biden’s endorsement, other potential candidates such as California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro could also be considered.
In his resignation announcement, Biden also praised Harris for her exceptional partnership and expressed gratitude to the American people for their support. Reflecting on his presidency, he noted accomplishments such as navigating the pandemic, addressing economic challenges, preserving democracy, and strengthening international alliances.
