President Joe Biden has announced that he will not seek reelection and will focus on his presidential duties for the remainder of his term. He made this announcement through a letter posted on social media platforms including X, Instagram, Threads, and Facebook. This decision comes amid growing pressure from Democrats and the media, who have urged him to step aside.
In his announcement, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his preferred nominee for the Democratic Party. Harris, who ran for the Democratic nomination in 2020 before becoming Biden’s running mate, could become the first female and first South Asian American president if elected. She is significantly younger than Biden, potentially shifting the dynamics of the presidential race, especially against 78-year-old Donald Trump.
Kamala Harris
Biden’s letter emphasized the progress made during his presidency, including economic growth, investments in infrastructure, healthcare reforms, support for veterans, gun safety legislation, and significant climate initiatives. He highlighted the importance of unity and the collective effort of the American people in overcoming major challenges like the pandemic and economic crises.
The decision to step down followed weeks of increasing pressure from various quarters, including donors, congressional Democrats, and other allies. Despite initially resisting calls to drop out and even planning a series of events to demonstrate his health and stamina, Biden ultimately chose to focus on his current presidential responsibilities.
Concerns about Biden’s age and cognitive abilities had been growing, particularly after a poor performance in a June presidential debate. Reports of cognitive decline and changing demeanor at fundraising events further fueled calls for his withdrawal. Prominent Democrats, including Adam Schiff, Nancy Pelosi, and Chuck Schumer, expressed their concerns and urged Biden to reconsider his candidacy to avoid jeopardizing the party’s chances in the election.
Public opinion also reflected these concerns, with a July 17th poll by the AP-NORC Center indicating that two-thirds of respondents believed Biden should step aside. Despite efforts by Biden’s campaign to dismiss dissenters, the pressure ultimately led to his decision to endorse Harris and focus on completing his term as president.
