In a stunning turn of events, President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he would end his campaign for re-election, thereby concluding his half-century-long political career. This decision has upended the 2024 presidential race, with just under four months remaining before Election Day. Biden’s withdrawal has set the stage for Vice President Kamala Harris to potentially become the Democratic nominee, a move that could have significant implications for the future of the Democratic Party and the nation.
Biden Drops Out
Biden, aged 81, has been under increasing scrutiny from within his own party, with concerns about his age and ability to effectively challenge former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Despite his initial intention to seek re-election, Biden acknowledged that stepping down was in the best interest of both his party and the country.
“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 to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote in a letter posted on X (formerly Twitter). He further stated that he would address the nation later in the week to provide more details about his decision.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
Endorsement of Kamala Harris
In his announcement, Biden also endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his preferred successor. “My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President,” Biden wrote. “And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.”
Harris, who at 59 is 22 years younger than Biden, responded with gratitude and determination. “I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris said in a statement. “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party — and unite our nation — to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.”
Reactions and Political Implications
Biden’s decision has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Prominent Democrats have quickly rallied behind Harris, with California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer among those offering their support. Newsom described Biden as an “extraordinary, history-making president” and endorsed Harris, stating that “no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump’s dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than America’s Vice President, Kamala Harris.”
On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country.
I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 21, 2024
However, the endorsement does not automatically secure Harris’s nomination. The Democratic National Convention in August will be a critical moment as delegates, who are not bound to a particular candidate, will vote to officially nominate the party’s candidate for the presidential election.
Republican Response
Across the aisle, Republicans have been quick to criticize Biden’s decision. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated, “If Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately.” Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, calling Biden “the worst president in the history of the United States by far” and suggesting that Biden “should never have been there in the first place.”
Historical Context and Precedents
Biden’s withdrawal is unprecedented in the modern political era. The last sitting president to abandon a re-election bid was Lyndon Johnson in 1968, who withdrew eight months before the election due to divisions within his party over the Vietnam War. Biden’s announcement comes just weeks before the Democratic National Convention and a few months before the general election, creating a highly uncertain and chaotic political environment.
Democratic Party Dynamics
Replacing Biden atop the Democratic ticket is likely to set off internal Democratic tremors as ambitious officials maneuver to become his successor. Factions have already formed around Harris, Whitmer, and Newsom. Despite Harris’s prominent role and endorsement from Biden, she faces significant challenges. Her approval rating stands at only 32% according to a recent NBC News poll, and she will need to work hard to consolidate support within the party.
Unlike Republican delegates, who are bound to their candidate, Democratic delegates are free to vote for the candidate they believe best reflects the sentiments of those who elected them. This flexibility means that the nomination process at the convention could be highly competitive and unpredictable.
Campaign Implications
Biden’s withdrawal has significant implications for the Democratic campaign strategy. Harris will need to quickly build a robust campaign infrastructure and rally support from key Democratic constituencies. Her ability to energize the party base and attract small-dollar donors will be crucial. ActBlue, the main Democratic online fundraising platform, reported that groups using it raised $27.5 million in the first five hours of Harris’s campaign, indicating a strong initial response from grassroots supporters.
Biden’s Legacy
Biden’s decision to step down marks the end of a singular national political career. Over his 36 years in the U.S. Senate, he rose to the chairmanships of the powerful Judiciary and Foreign Relations committees. He also served as Vice President under Barack Obama for eight years before his presidency. Despite the controversies and challenges of his tenure, Biden’s supporters praise his accomplishments and his leadership during turbulent times.
The Road Ahead
The focus now shifts to the Democratic National Convention, where Harris’s nomination will be determined. In the meantime, Biden will continue to fulfill his duties as President, aiming to leave a lasting positive legacy. The Democratic Party will need to navigate this transition carefully to present a united front against Trump and the Republican Party in the November election.
As the race for the White House enters its final phase, the political landscape remains highly dynamic and unpredictable. Harris’s ability to galvanize support and present a compelling vision for the future will be critical in determining whether she can lead the Democrats to victory in November. The coming months will be a test of her leadership and the party’s ability to adapt to unprecedented circumstances.
