Written by John Anderson.
President Joe Biden announced Sunday his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, ending his five-decade-long political career in a surprising turn of events. The announcement came just four months before Election Day, causing a significant shake-up in the race for the White House.
At 81, Biden faced mounting concerns within his party about his age and capability to defeat Donald Trump in November. Acknowledging these concerns, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the Democratic nominee. In a letter posted on X, Biden 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 to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Biden praised Harris for her partnership and expressed his support for her nomination in a subsequent post. “My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President,” he wrote. “And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.”
Political Reactions and Support for Harris
Following Biden’s announcement, reactions from politicians poured in rapidly. California Governor Gavin Newsom lauded Biden’s presidency, calling him an “extraordinary, history-making president” who has delivered remarkable results for all Americans. Newsom, a prominent Biden supporter, quickly shifted his endorsement to Harris, emphasizing her ability to counter Trump’s “dark vision” and guide the country toward a healthier direction.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also praised Biden as a “great public servant” and vowed to continue her efforts to elect Democrats and prevent Trump from returning to office. Meanwhile, First Lady Jill Biden showed her support for her husband’s decision by reposting his announcement with heart emojis, demonstrating her unwavering support throughout the decision-making process.
Across the political aisle, Republicans harshly criticized Biden’s move, with House Speaker Mike Johnson calling for his immediate resignation. In an interview with NBC News, Trump labeled Biden as “the worst president in the history of the United States” and said that Biden “should never have been there in the first place.”
Unprecedented Decision and Legal Hurdles
Biden’s decision to drop out so close to the Democratic National Convention is unprecedented in modern politics. The last sitting president to abandon a re-election bid was Lyndon Johnson in 1968. Barbara Perry, a presidential studies professor at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, noted, “We’re in uncharted waters. No president has dropped out or died this close to the convention.”
Replacing Biden as the Democratic nominee is expected to cause significant internal conflict as officials vie for the top spot. Harris, who is 59 and significantly younger than Biden, seems to be the natural successor. However, her approval rating stood at only 32% in a recent NBC News poll, adding to the uncertainty.
Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison assured the public that the party would follow established rules to select a new candidate. Meanwhile, legal challenges from Republicans could complicate the process of getting a new name on the ballot. House Speaker Johnson mentioned potential legal obstacles, saying, “I think they have got legal hurdles in some of these states, and it’ll be litigated.”
Our Take
Biden’s sudden withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race is a shocking development that underscores the fragility of our current political landscape. This decision, while seemingly selfless, reveals deep-seated issues within the Democratic Party. By stepping down, Biden acknowledges the concerns about his age and health but also leaves his party in a precarious position.
Kamala Harris, though endorsed by Biden, faces a tough battle ahead. Her low approval ratings and the looming legal challenges from Republicans could hinder her path to the presidency. This situation exposes the vulnerabilities in our political system, where the health and decisions of one individual can cause such profound ramifications.
This decision is concerning for the public. It highlights the instability within the Democratic Party and raises questions about their ability to present a unified front against Trump. The public deserves a stable and confident leadership, not a party scrambling to find a new candidate at the eleventh hour.
