President Joe Biden has announced that he will be stepping down from the 2024 presidential race after a disappointing debate performance and concerns from fellow Democrats. This decision comes after questions were raised about Biden’s age, his ability to carry out his campaign, and his capacity to serve a second term.
In a statement posted on Sunday, Biden expressed that he believes it is in the best interest of his party and the country for him to withdraw from the race. He stated that he will now focus solely on fulfilling his duties as President for the remainder of his term. First lady Jill Biden also showed support by reposting her husband’s announcement with a hearts emoji.
This unexpected move has disrupted what promised to be a rematch between Biden and Donald Trump in the upcoming general election, with less than four months until the November contest. Biden has gone on to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in the race, urging Democrats to unite and defeat Trump.
While concerns about Biden’s age have been a topic of discussion since he launched his reelection campaign, they intensified after his debate with Trump, where he struggled to present himself convincingly. Biden’s hoarse voice, attributed to a cold, combined with his wandering answers and failure to effectively counter Trump on key issues left many pundits and politicians speechless.
Despite initial claims that it was just a “bad night,” early polling showed a negative impact on Biden’s standing. Trump now leads by 2 percentage points over Biden, a marked shift from their previously close standings. Even though Biden and his campaign tried to control the damage through a press conference and public statements, a growing number of Democratic lawmakers and public figures called for him to step aside.
Among those questioning Biden’s viability, Rep. Adam Smith expressed a belief that the party can find a stronger candidate who can effectively convey their message. This sentiment coincided with reports that House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer privately believed Biden’s chances of defeating Trump were diminishing. Schumer even visited Biden in Delaware to discuss the possibility of him dropping out.
With the spotlight now on Vice President Kamala Harris, speculation grows regarding her potential to replace Biden as the Democratic nominee. Biden himself has previously stated that he wouldn’t have chosen Harris as his running mate if he didn’t believe she was qualified to be President.
In contrast to the Democratic Party’s recent turmoil, the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee showcased a unified front, with strong support for Trump. Trump emphasized his goal of being President for all Americans and the unity within his party.
Please check back for updates on this developing story.
