Biden Exits 2024 Race: Throws Full Support Behind Harris in Showdown with Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden exited the 2024 presidential race on Sunday following a problematic debate against Donald Trump. Biden’s decision to step down comes mere months before the election and after a wave of pressure from Democratic allies.

The June 27 debate raised significant doubts about Biden’s capability, as the 81-year-old president failed to effectively challenge Trump and often provided incoherent responses. Consequently, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to assume the party’s nomination.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” Biden wrote in a letter posted to his X account. He emphasized that stepping down was in the best interest of both his party and the country.

Biden’s endorsement gives an immediate boost to Harris, considered the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,” Biden stated.

The White House has confirmed the authenticity of Biden’s letter. Biden, who has been isolating at his Delaware beach house due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, plans to continue serving until the end of his term on January 20, 2025.

His withdrawal adds another twist to what is already seen as one of the most pivotal elections in generations. Both major political parties are now scrambling to adapt to this unprecedented development, especially after an attempted assassination of Trump at a recent rally in Pennsylvania.

Democrats now face the challenging task of unifying the nominating process and convincing voters that their new nominee, Harris, can handle the job. Harris, 59, is viewed as Biden’s natural successor due to her current role and existing campaign resources.

Biden’s departure marks the end of a political career spanning over five decades. Despite securing the vast majority of delegates and nearly locking the nomination, a flood of concerns from donors, lawmakers, and aides about his ability to continue effectively led to this decision.

In 2020, Biden portrayed himself as a bridge to a new generation of leadership. Nonetheless, he struggled to let go once he achieved the presidency. Repetitive concerns about his age and capability persisted, making this decision almost inevitable.

Polls have consistently shown that most Americans see Biden as too old for another term. His debate performance further stoked these sentiments among voters and his own party members.

Biden acknowledged his age and its impact on his physical and cognitive abilities but argued that his wisdom and experience were invaluable. “I give you my word as a Biden. I would not be running again if I didn’t believe with all my heart and soul I can do this job,” he once told supporters.

Biden’s presidency, despite significant achievements like steering the country through a pandemic and passing major bipartisan legislation, has been marred by low approval ratings on key issues such as the economy and immigration.

Harris’s path to the Democratic nomination seems clearer with Biden’s endorsement, but challenges still loom. The Democratic National Convention is scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago, where the party will officially nominate its candidate.

Biden’s exit underscores the profound influence Trump has had on his political journey. Motivated by Trump’s controversial remarks and actions, Biden had re-entered the political fray after initially stepping back.

Although Trump and his campaign have not yet commented on Biden’s withdrawal, they had made their preference for facing Biden known. The focus of Trump’s campaign now shifts, likely sharpening its attacks on Harris.

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