President Joe Biden, aged 81, announced on Sunday that he would not seek re-election, yielding to mounting pressure from his closest allies who were deeply concerned about his age and physical condition, particularly regarding his ability to defeat former President Donald J. Trump. Vice President Kamala Harris declared her intention to run for the Democratic nomination, quickly garnering support from many within the party after receiving Biden’s endorsement.
“While it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus entirely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term,” Biden stated. He added that serving as president has been “the greatest honor of my life.”
Biden Endorses Harris
Biden extended his “full support and endorsement” to Harris through a social media post, urging Democrats to unify and defeat Trump. Harris expressed her gratitude for Biden’s endorsement and reiterated her determination to earn the party’s nomination, emphasizing a united front against the opposition.
Sudden Withdrawal
Biden’s decision concluded a political crisis that had been escalating since his challenging debate performance against Trump on June 27. Initially determined to remain in the race, Biden reconsidered after weeks of struggling to shift the focus back to Trump. A senior administration official indicated that this shift was pivotal in his decision to withdraw. A detailed timeline of Biden’s decision-making process reveals the unfolding events.
Unprecedented Move
No sitting American president has exited a re-election race so close to the election cycle. The Democratic National Convention, scheduled to begin on August 19 in Chicago, was initially set to formally nominate Biden. Now, Democrats are navigating the process for nominating a new candidate, with Harris having certain advantages, such as the “Biden for President” campaign committee’s rebranding to “Harris for President.” A significant issue is the fate of the $96 million already in the Biden campaign’s coffers, which Harris is likely to inherit.
Surge in Endorsements for Harris
Biden’s endorsement of Harris triggered a wave of support from prominent Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Governors Gavin Newsom and Josh Shapiro, and several high-profile lawmakers, notably from the Progressive Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the centrist New Democrats.
Silence from Key Democrats
Despite widespread support, four influential Democrats praised Biden without endorsing Harris. Former President Barack Obama, who maintained neutrality during the 2020 primaries, remained silent on Harris. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also refrained from commenting on Harris’s candidacy. The reactions from Congress highlight a mix of support and reservation within the party.
Reactions from Donors and Voters
Major donors and billionaires swiftly backed Harris, while Democratic voters reacted to Biden’s withdrawal with relief and optimism. ActBlue, the leading Democratic donation platform, reported raising over $50 million on Sunday, marking the highest single-day fundraising since the 2020 election. The polling dynamics between Harris and Trump are now under scrutiny as the election approaches.
Praise for Biden
Following weeks of intense scrutiny over his age and re-election viability, Biden received praise for his presidential accomplishments. Harris lauded his “big heart,” and several governors recognized his legacy. Hunter Biden highlighted his father’s “unconditional love” as a guiding principle, and First Lady Jill Biden responded with a heart emoji, symbolizing her support. Biden’s legacy is now a focal point of reflection within the Democratic Party.
Trump’s Reaction
Former President Trump seized the moment to criticize Biden, asserting his unfitness for the presidency and condemning the political establishment and media for shielding him. Trump’s response underscores the contentious nature of the upcoming election.
The political landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as Democrats rally around Harris, setting the stage for an intense election battle with Trump.
