US President Joe Biden has made a shocking announcement, withdrawing from the presidential race, just four months to the country’s polls.
“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 focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term,” Biden said in a letter on Sunday.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
Biden thanked the vice president, Kamala Harris, in his letter, and said he planned to speak to the nation in more detail later this week.
But minutes after the announcement, he went on to write on X that he is endorsing Harris as his successor for the Democratic presidential nomination.
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. And it’s been the best… pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
His decision to drop out of the race comes after weeks of pressure even from the Democratic Party following a disastrous debate performance last month.
Read Also: Biden Struggles in Heated Debate as Personal Attacks fly
Biden’s departure from the race leaves his party in an unprecedented situation with only a month to the Democratic National Convention and less than four months to the November 5 election.
Whoever is selected to replace Biden will face Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump.
