In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential election and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's new nominee. This decision, described by Biden as being in the "best interest of my party and the country," comes after weeks of pressure following a challenging June debate against Donald Trump, which raised concerns about Biden's age and mental fitness.
Biden, 81, acknowledged the growing worries and stated, "While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term." He further expressed his full support for Harris, with his campaign promptly filing official notice to change its name to "Harris for President."
The move has sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party, which now faces the task of confirming a new candidate at their party convention in Chicago on August 19. Harris, who aims to become America's first woman president, quickly affirmed her goal to "defeat Donald Trump" and praised Biden for his "selfless and patriotic act."
Donald Trump responded with a series of posts on his Truth Social network, claiming that Biden's decision to drop out indicates he is not "fit to serve" as president. Despite the dramatic shift, Republicans must now adjust their strategy, as their campaign had been primarily focused on Biden.
The change transforms the previously anticipated Trump-Biden rematch into a highly compelling presidential race. Biden's decision to withdraw follows a period of isolation while recovering from Covid at his Delaware beach house, during which he consulted only a few close family members and aides.
Endorsements for Harris poured in from Democratic leaders and potential rivals, such as California Governor Gavin Newsom. The Democratic fundraising group ActBlue reported that Harris received $27.5 million in small-donor contributions within just five hours of Biden's announcement.
Kamala Harris, the first Black and South Asian woman vice president in US history, thanked Biden and pledged to "earn and win" the nomination. Former President Barack Obama warned that the party faces "uncharted waters" ahead, but the potential for reenergizing the Democratic base is high.
The shift in the Democratic ticket comes amid a tumultuous election season, with Trump having survived an assassination attempt and Democrats grappling with internal conflicts. Biden's withdrawal, while unprecedented at this stage, marks a significant moment in American political history.
Biden's presidency, marked by efforts to heal the nation, support Ukraine, and push through significant legislation, faced criticisms over the Afghanistan withdrawal, inflation, and his stance on various issues. Concerns about his age ultimately played a significant role in his decision to step down.
As the political landscape adjusts to this major development, the race for the White House becomes more unpredictable and dynamic, setting the stage for a historic and closely watched election.
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