Joe Biden with Kamala Harris (left) and Nancy Pelossi (right), speaking to the Congress.
The President of the United States, Joe Biden, surprised the nation by announcing his withdrawal from the presidential race for reelection, arguing that it was in the “best interest” of his party and the nation. This decision shakes the American political landscape just four months before the elections, drastically altering the competition for the White House.
Pressure on Biden escalated in recent weeks following his hesitant performance in the debate against the Republican Donald Trump at the end of June. Criticized for his lack of coherence and weak voice during the debate, the president ultimately yielded to his party’s demands and announced his withdrawal on Sunday night.
In an emotional letter posted on his social media accounts, Biden expressed his gratitude for having served as president, mentioning that his initial intention was to seek reelection, but he believed it was best to resign and focus on his current responsibilities. Vice President Kamala Harris received his endorsement as the presidential candidate in his place.
Reactions were swift, with Biden thanking Harris and the American people for their trust. He emphasized the importance of national unity and faith in the country’s potential to overcome challenges when working together.
After returning to Delaware last week due to a Covid-19 diagnosis, Biden had expressed his intention to resume the presidential campaign shortly. However, his decision to step down leaves an unforeseen gap in the electoral race and raises questions about the Democratic Party’s political future.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN, JR.
July 21, 2024
My Fellow Americans,
Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a Nation.
Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.
I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our Democracy. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world.
It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And 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.
I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.
For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.
I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.
J R Biden
