President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he will withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, a decision made after weeks of pressure for the 81-year-old Democrat to step down against former President Donald Trump.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” Biden wrote on social media. “While I intended to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Biden’s decision follows a wave of calls from fellow Democrats urging him to allow the party to choose a new nominee.
This announcement significantly alters the presidential race just months before Election Day, presenting new challenges for the Democratic party, which now must quickly assemble a new presidential ticket.
The next candidate will need to compete against the Republican ticket of Trump and Sen. JD Vance, secure support from donors and delegates, and convince voters of their suitability for the presidency.
Biden’s support within his party began to wane following a poorly received debate performance against Trump in late June, where he appeared stiff and unclear in contrast to a more composed Trump.
High-profile Democratic donors and supporters openly urged Biden to step aside, some threatening to withhold campaign contributions according to reports by US media outlets. This move sets the stage for a dramatic shift in the upcoming election dynamics.
Gad Oteba
Gad Oteba is an investigative journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering stories that matter. His work focuses on corruption, governance, and social justice issues in Africa. Driven by a commitment to transparency and accountability, Gad aims to bring hidden truths to light and ensure that the voices of the marginalized are heard. Through his rigorous reporting and in-depth analysis, he strives to make a lasting impact on the communities he covers.