Biden Drops Out of 2024 Race: Harris Endorsed, Trump Reacts
WASHINGTON — In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he will be ending his re-election campaign, marking the end of his extensive political career that has spanned over five decades. This decision significantly alters the landscape of the 2024 presidential race, just months before the election.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
At 81, Biden faced increasing pressure from within his party regarding concerns about his age and ability to secure a victory against Donald Trump in the upcoming November election. Acknowledging these sentiments, Biden expressed his support for Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
“While I initially intended to seek re-election, I believe stepping down is in the best interest of my party and the country. I will focus on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden stated in a letter posted on X . He also indicated that he would address the nation later in the week to elaborate on his decision.
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
In his letter, Biden expressed gratitude towards Harris, describing her as an “extraordinary partner,” and subsequently endorsed her candidacy. “My first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to select Kamala Harris as my Vice President. It was the best decision I made. Today, I fully support and endorse Kamala as our party’s nominee this year,” Biden posted.
Sources close to the campaign revealed that Biden and Harris had multiple discussions on Sunday before the public announcement. Harris, in a statement, thanked Biden for his leadership and legacy, expressing her honor in receiving his endorsement. She emphasized her commitment to uniting the Democratic Party and defeating Donald Trump’s “extreme Project 2025 agenda.”
Biden’s decision to step down culminates a unique political journey, beginning with the fall of Richard Nixon and now potentially concluding with the rise of Kamala Harris. His career includes four presidential bids, 36 years as a U.S. Senator for Delaware, chairmanships of the Judiciary and Foreign Relations committees, and eight years as Vice President under Barack Obama.
This monumental decision by Biden reshapes the 2024 presidential race, with Harris now stepping into the spotlight as the Democratic Party’s frontrunner.
Who is Kamala Harris and Can She Beat Donald Trump?
Early Life and Career
Kamala Harris, 59, was born in Oakland, California, to an Indian-born mother and a Jamaican-born father. She attended Howard University in Washington, DC, and earned her law degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. Harris began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney’s office before moving to the San Francisco District Attorney’s office. In 2003, she became San Francisco’s District Attorney and was elected California’s Attorney General in 2010, serving two terms.
Political Ascension
Elected to the US Senate in 2016, Harris became a vocal critic of Donald Trump, particularly on immigration issues. Her rigorous questioning of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 showcased her tenacity, solidifying her status as a rising star in the Democratic Party. Despite a faltering presidential campaign in 2020, Joe Biden selected her as his running mate, aiming to appeal to Black voters and energize the party base. Harris’s law enforcement background and centrist stance were viewed as strategic assets.
Making History as Vice President
Harris made history as the first Black woman to serve as San Francisco’s District Attorney, California’s Attorney General, a senator from California, and Vice President. Her tenure as Vice President has seen her advocate for key Biden administration policies, including infrastructure, immigration, gun control, and abortion rights. Harris has notably led efforts to curb Central American migration. Although her popularity has fluctuated, her political influence is expected to grow as she steps into the presidential race.
Challenges Ahead
Endorsed by President Biden, Harris faces a crucial challenge in uniting the Democratic Party and securing its nomination. While recent polls have shown mixed results, Harris supporters believe the dynamics could shift now that Biden is out of the race. The upcoming Democratic National Convention will be a critical moment for Harris to solidify her position and build momentum against Donald Trump in the 2024 election.
Trump Responds to Biden Dropping Out: “President Not Fit to Run”
Shortly after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election, Donald Trump reacted strongly, stating that “crooked Biden wasn’t fit to run” for president and that Kamala Harris would be “easier to defeat” in the upcoming election. Trump expressed his views on his Truth Social platform, claiming Biden’s presidency caused significant damage and promising a swift remedy under his leadership. Trump emphasized his belief that Biden’s health and capabilities were always in question, suggesting that even Biden’s closest associates and the media were aware of his limitations.
Biden’s decision to end his campaign has led to widespread reactions, with some Republicans calling for his immediate resignation. Elise Stefanik, House Republican Conference chairperson, insisted that if Biden cannot run for re-election, he is unfit to serve as president. Trump’s campaign advisers are not overly concerned about facing Harris, aiming to tie her to Biden’s record on immigration and inflation and paint her as more left-leaning than Biden.
The announcement has thrown the Democratic Party into uncertainty just months before the November election. Trump’s strategy remains focused on undermining his opponents with personal attacks, a tactic he has consistently used throughout his political career. Jennifer N. Victor, a political science professor, noted that Trump’s approach often involves insulting his rivals, underscoring the contentious nature of the current political climate.
Potential Replacements for Biden in the 2024 Race
Following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, several key figures are being considered as potential replacements. The top contenders include Vice President Kamala Harris, who has been endorsed by Biden himself. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, known for her strong leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, is another prominent candidate. California Governor Gavin Newsom and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper are also in the mix, both bringing substantial gubernatorial experience. Additionally, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo are being discussed as possible contenders.
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