Rehoboth Beach, Delaware – President Biden stunned the political world on Sunday by abruptly ending his reelection campaign. This decision sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party and left them scrambling to find a new nominee to face off against former President Donald Trump. In a letter posted on social media, Biden, 81, expressed that while it had been his intention to seek reelection, he believed it was in the best interest of his party and the country to step down and focus on his duties as President for the rest of his term.
The President endorsed Vice President Kamala D. Harris as his replacement, urging Democrats to unite and defeat Trump. Biden’s exit from the race has left his party in an unprecedented position just months before the November election. The unexpected development adds to the political turmoil that has defined this year’s election cycle, which has already been marred by a felony conviction and an assassination attempt.
While many within the party are rallying around Harris as Biden’s replacement, there are voices advocating for a more open process to allow other potential candidates to compete for the nomination. Despite her endorsement by Biden, Harris has faced challenges of her own, including declining approval ratings that parallel Biden’s and a lackluster performance in the 2020 presidential primary.
Former President Barack Obama notably did not endorse Harris in his statement, instead praising Biden and expressing confidence that the party would ultimately find “an outstanding nominee.” Harris, on the other hand, expressed gratitude for Biden’s endorsement and affirmed her intent to earn and secure the nomination.
Harris, 59, has received a swift wave of endorsements from top Democrats, including lawmakers, governors, interest groups, and prominent party figures. As the first woman, Black person, and Asian American to serve as Vice President, Harris now has the opportunity to make history as the country’s first female President.
Biden’s announcement caught many of his aides and advisors off guard, as just hours before some had appeared on television reaffirming his commitment to stay in the race. His decision to step down marks the end of a remarkable political career that began in 1972 when he was elected as one of the youngest-ever senators.
The process for choosing the Democratic nominee will be expedited and fraught with uncertainty, with the national convention just weeks away. Biden leaves office with notable accomplishments, but also faced challenges such as low approval ratings and criticism for his handling of various issues during his term.
In abandoning his reelection bid, Biden joins a short list of incumbent Presidents who chose not to seek reelection. His decision sets the stage for a new chapter in the Democratic Party’s quest to reclaim the White House from Trump in the upcoming election.