Joe Biden's Decision Not To Seek Reelection In 2024 Presidential Race

President Joe Biden announced today that he will not be seeking reelection in the 2024 presidential race, and threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. This decision comes after weeks of pressure from key Democratic donors and party members, who urged him to step aside for the party's future. This announcement marks a significant shift in the political landscape, as the Democratic Party must now organize quickly to select a new nominee before the deadline of August 7.

Biden stated, "It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, 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." He also mentioned that he would address the nation later this week to provide more details about his decision.

In a follow-up post, President Biden expressed his full support for Kamala Harris as his successor, stating, "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 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. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this." This endorsement comes at a critical moment for the Democratic Party as they navigate this sudden change in leadership.

Trump Responds

Former President Donald Trump reacted swiftly to Biden's announcement, declaring him "the worst president in the history of our country." Trump suggested that Harris would be an easier opponent to defeat in the upcoming election. He elaborated on his views through a longer statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he criticized Biden's fitness for office and condemned the current administration's handling of various issues.

In his statement, Trump claimed, "Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was! He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement." He went on to criticize the Biden administration's immigration policies, asserting that it has allowed millions of unchecked individuals to enter the country, including those from prisons and mental institutions.

Trump's running mate, GOP Senator JD Vance from Ohio, also chimed in, stating, "Joe Biden has been the worst President in my lifetime and Kamala Harris has been right there with him every step of the way." This sentiment reflects the mounting criticism Biden faces from his opposition party as the political climate intensifies.

Calls for Biden to Drop Out

As Biden's reelection campaign faced increasing scrutiny, calls for him to withdraw intensified, particularly after a widely criticized debate performance against Trump. The debate raised concerns among members of his own party regarding his leadership capabilities. Representative Lloyd Doggett from Texas was the first Democrat in Congress to publicly urge Biden to withdraw from the race.

Following Doggett's statement, Vermont Senator Peter Welch also called for Biden to step down, citing the potential risks associated with a Trump reelection. This shows how deeply the pressure has mounted within the Democratic Party, prompting discussions about alternative candidates.

Actor George Clooney, who had campaigned with Biden, joined the chorus of voices advocating for Biden's withdrawal. Reports later surfaced indicating that former President Barack Obama was also encouraging Biden to consider stepping down. Despite initial resistance from Biden's campaign to entertain the idea of withdrawal, the escalating calls from within the party became too significant to ignore.

What Happens Now

With Biden now out of the race, the Democratic Party faces the urgent task of selecting a new nominee. They must make this decision by August 7 to avoid being excluded from the ballot in Ohio. The most straightforward path may be to replace Biden with Vice President Kamala Harris, who can access his fundraising resources due to existing Federal Election Commission filings.

The immediate consequence of Biden's exit is the reopening of the Democratic primary. Without a presumptive nominee, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) will need to efficiently manage the nomination process, which could lead to contention as various party leaders and potential candidates throw their hats in the ring.

Possible contenders to replace Biden include Harris, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and California Governor Gavin Newsom. The chosen candidate will need to secure enough delegates to avoid a contested convention and must do so before the impending August 7 deadline. Establishing a robust campaign infrastructure will be crucial for any new nominee as they prepare for the challenges ahead.

Key Takeaways