President Joe Biden has officially withdrawn from the 2024 U.S. presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate. This surprising move significantly alters the dynamics of the election. Biden, 81, stated in a written announcement that serving as president was the “greatest honor” of his life but stepping aside was necessary for the “best interest of my party and the country.” This decision follows a tumultuous period in U.S. politics, highlighted by Biden’s challenging debate performance against Donald Trump on June 27. He confirmed he will remain in office until January.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
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Harris Prepares for Nomination
Kamala Harris, 59, expressed her gratitude for the endorsement, emphasizing her commitment to earn the nomination and unite the country against Trump. “We have 107 days until election day,” she remarked. “Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”
While Harris has gained support from several influential party figures, she has not yet been officially nominated. This is expected to occur at the Democratic National Convention in August. Meanwhile, Trump has gained momentum in polling and was confirmed as the Republican nominee at the party’s convention in Milwaukee, just days after surviving an assassination attempt.
On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country.
I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.
Advertisement— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 21, 2024
In response to Biden’s withdrawal, Trump criticized him, stating he was “not fit to run… and is certainly not fit to serve.” Other senior Republicans echoed this sentiment, calling for Biden to leave the White House entirely, not just the race.
Sources revealed that many senior White House staff and campaign officials were informed of Biden’s decision only moments before the public announcement, although he had previously spoken with Harris and a few others. Prominent Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, quickly praised Biden’s decision and acknowledged his achievements in office.
Former President Bill Clinton and 2016 Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton also voiced their support for Harris, pledging to “fight with everything we’ve got to elect her.” While Obama expressed confidence that a strong nominee would emerge, he did not explicitly endorse Harris or any other candidate. Pelosi has yet to comment on the situation.
Statement from President Clinton and Secretary Clinton pic.twitter.com/R7tYMFWbsu
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) July 21, 2024
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Call for an Open Process
Peter Welch, the first Democratic senator to urge Biden to withdraw from the race, called for an “open process” to nominate Harris. Signs of party unity behind her are already emerging, including endorsements from high-profile politicians who were previously considered potential challengers for the nomination.
California Governor Gavin Newsom praised Biden’s “selfless” decision and expressed his support for the “fearless” and “tenacious” Harris. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stated he would do “everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States.” Pete Buttigieg, the current Secretary of Transportation and a former presidential candidate, called Biden “one of the most consequential presidents in American history” and pledged to support Harris’s candidacy.
The Democratic National Committee has also begun the process of amending its fundraising committees to reflect the Harris Victory Fund and Harris Action Fund. Notable Democratic donors, including LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and investor Alexander Soros, have publicly endorsed Harris.
In a swift response, the pro-Trump super PAC, Make America Great Again, released an advertisement attacking Harris, claiming she “covered up Joe’s obvious mental decline.” Trump remarked that whoever the Democrats nominate will only represent “more of the same.”
Biden’s Recent Scrutiny
Biden’s decision comes after weeks of intense scrutiny following his debate performance in June. Just under two weeks ago, he hosted a high-profile NATO summit in Washington, which raised concerns within his party after he mistakenly introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” and referred to Harris as “Vice President Trump.”
Although Biden previously stated that only the “Lord Almighty” could make him withdraw, he later indicated he would consider it if faced with health issues. While currently isolating after testing positive for COVID-19, he mentioned plans to return to the campaign trail soon.
In his statement, Biden expressed gratitude to Harris, calling her an “extraordinary partner,” and thanked the American people for their trust in him. He reiterated his belief in the country’s potential when united, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
The Democratic National Committee held an emergency meeting following Biden’s announcement, with the focus shifting to the upcoming national convention set to begin on August 19. Biden had previously dominated the party’s primaries, meaning delegates were pledged to vote for him, but they are now expected to support another candidate.
