Summary
- President Joe Biden has announced he will not run for re-election in 2024, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor for the Democratic nomination.
- Biden’s decision follows increased opposition within his party and concerns about his performance and age.
- Harris aims to unite the Democratic Party and defeat Republican candidate Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
- Biden, currently isolating due to COVID-19, will continue to serve as president until his term ends in January 2025.
President Joe Biden has announced that he will not seek re-election in the 2024 presidential race, instead endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor for the Democratic nomination. This decision comes amid increasing opposition within the Democratic Party, with many members urging Biden to step aside. Biden, who is currently isolating due to COVID-19, made the announcement via a letter on X, stating that while he initially intended to run, he believes it is in the best interest of the party and the country for him to focus on his presidential duties until his term ends in January 2025.
Vice President Harris, if nominated, would make history as the first Black woman to lead a major-party ticket in the United States. Harris expressed her commitment to uniting the Democratic Party and defeating Republican candidate Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
Biden’s decision follows a series of challenges, including a poor performance in a debate with Trump, which raised concerns about his ability to campaign effectively. The Republican Party, meanwhile, has rallied around Trump, who accepted his party’s nomination with Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate.
In the wake of Biden’s announcement, various Democratic leaders, including Governors Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, and Andy Beshear, have expressed support for a Democratic victory, though not explicitly endorsing Harris. Public opinion polls show Harris and Trump in a close race, highlighting the competitive nature of the upcoming election.Republicans have called for Biden to resign immediately, questioning his ability to govern. However, Biden remains committed to his role until the end of his term. The Democratic Party will soon outline the process for selecting the new nominee, with Harris as a leading contender.
Biden’s withdrawal marks a significant moment in U.S. political history, being the first sitting president to forgo re-election since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. The Democratic Party now faces the task of rallying around a new candidate in a highly polarized political environment.