After intense pressure from fellow Democrats, President Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race today. The decision followed weeks of turmoil within the Democratic party triggered by Biden’s troubling performance in the first presidential debate against Donald Trump, amid concerns and reports about his health and mental acuity.
In a post on X on July 21, Biden announced his decision to step down. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the party nominee, calling her an ‘extraordinary partner’ and encouraging followers to chip in to her campaign.
“My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President.” Biden said. “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. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
Harris acknowledged the endorsement on X, saying, “On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country. I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.”
In a letter posted on X, Biden highlighted the achievements of his presidency, including the strong economy, lower prescription drug costs for seniors, and expanding affordable healthcare. He also paid tribute to the American people for overcoming the pandemic crisis and an economic recession during his tenure.
Biden added that it was an honor to serve as President but felt it was in the best interest of the party and the country to stand down. He will focus on fulfilling his duties for the remainder of his term.
On X, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.
“Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he is a truly amazing human being,” Schumer said. “His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first.”
“Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American.”
On Truth Social, his social media platform, former President Donald Trump said Biden wasn’t capable of being President and “is certainly not fit to serve.”