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| Biden Withdraws from Presidential Race, Endorses Kamala Harris |
Joe Biden is stepping down. In a surprising announcement on Sunday, the 81-year-old U.S. President declared he would not be running in the 2024 presidential election, citing concerns about his ability to defeat Republican rival Donald Trump. Instead, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him as the Democratic candidate three and a half months before the November 5 election.
“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,” Biden shared on his social media
account.
Biden made this announcement
while recovering from COVID-19 at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware home.
“Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this,” he
said, giving his “full support and endorsement” for Harris to be the nominee.
In a separate statement, Biden
emphasized that his withdrawal was “in the best interest” of his party and the
country. He added that he would address the nation later in the week to further
explain his decision.
In responding on social media, Kamala Harris expressed her honor at receiving Biden’s endorsement and her
determination to “earn and win this nomination.” She pledged to do everything
in her power to unite the Democratic Party.
Trump, who had recently secured
his position at the Republican National Convention, reacted to the news with
glee. “He was annihilated in an Earth-Shattering Debate, and now the Corrupt
and Radical Democrats are throwing him overboard,” Trump wrote on his social
media platform. He criticized Biden's fitness to serve and implied that any
Democratic candidate would be a continuation of the same issues.
Trump’s running mate, Ohio
Senator J.D. Vance, targeted Harris, accusing her of lying about Biden’s mental
capacity. “President Trump and I are ready to save America, whoever's at the
top of the Democrat ticket,” Vance wrote. “Bring it on.”
Polling data suggests Harris
might face challenges, as she currently trails Trump in head-to-head matchups
by nearly 2 percentage points. In contrast, Biden trailed by 3 percentage
points in similar polls.
In Tokyo, Prime Minister Fumio
Kishida stated that the Japanese government would closely monitor U.S.
developments following Biden’s announcement, emphasizing the importance of the
U.S.-Japan alliance.
Chief Cabinet Secretary
Yoshimasa Hayashi echoed these sentiments, noting the significant impact of
U.S. policies on Japan. “Regardless of the outcome of the U.S. presidential
election, what is important is to respond to various situations that may arise
and to make necessary policy adjustments with the U.S. government,” he said.
The move comes after Biden's
poor performance in a debate against Trump raised concerns about his age and
capacity. His decision marks the first time a presidential candidate has
withdrawn during an election year since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968.
The White House revealed that
Biden had been consulting with various members of Congress, governors, and
supporters before making his decision. His announcement comes just a month
before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where the party will
formally nominate its candidate. Harris is already garnering support for her
bid, though some prominent Democrats have yet to endorse her.
Former House Speaker Nancy
Pelosi praised Biden’s contributions but did not mention Harris in her
statement. Former President Barack Obama called Biden a patriot and
acknowledged the challenges ahead for the Democratic Party as they settle on a
nominee.
Other high-profile Democrats,
including Bill and Hillary Clinton, and California Governor Gavin Newsom, have
thrown their support behind Harris. Newsom praised Harris as the right person
to counter Trump's vision and lead the country.
The Democratic National
Committee, taken by surprise, promised to announce the next steps for the
nomination process soon. “In short order, the American people will hear from
the Democratic Party on the next steps and the path forward for the nomination
process,” DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike
Johnson argued that Biden should resign immediately, questioning his fitness to
serve.
Despite his withdrawal, Biden
had recently insisted he was “all in” for the race. Campaign officials had also
maintained that he was staying in the race until the decision was finalized,
influenced by party leaders urging him to step aside.
Republicans
are now more unified, especially after Trump survived an assassination attempt.
Biden’s exit marks the end of a long political career, having served as vice
president and a senator for Delaware before his presidency.
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