News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/22nd July 2024
In a stunning turn of events, President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he would not be seeking re-election against former President Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 U.S. election. This unexpected decision has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, significantly altering the dynamics of the race. Following his withdrawal, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s new presidential candidate.
Biden’s decision to step down from the race follows a poor performance in a debate against Trump, during which the Republican Party repeatedly criticized his ability to complete another term as president. This debate debacle led to increasing pressure from within his own party, with numerous Democratic lawmakers urging Biden to reconsider his candidacy.
The first person Biden informed of his decision was Vice President Kamala Harris, according to The Washington Post. He also held one-on-one meetings with White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and his campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon. Zients then convened a meeting with Biden’s campaign and White House staff at 1:45 pm to brief them on the president’s decision, formally announcing it to the entire White House staff around 2:30 pm on Sunday.
Biden’s choice to withdraw was not made lightly. Over the weekend, he engaged in several discussions with key advisors, including White House Counselor Steve Ricchetti, Senior Campaign Adviser Mike Donilon, Deputy Chief of Staff Annie Tomasini, and Senior Adviser to the First Lady Anthony Bernal, all of whom were present at his vacation house. These consultations played a crucial role in shaping his final decision.
The calls for Biden to drop out of the race intensified after his subpar debate performance against Trump on June 27. Although Biden attributed his performance to jet lag and international travel, the incident fueled discontent within the Democratic Party. Over the past week, 36 congressional Democrats, representing more than one-eighth of the party, publicly called for Biden to step down. Concerns about his mental acuity and the potential risk of losing not only the White House but also control of Congress next year drove these calls.
The pressure from his party colleagues ultimately led to Biden’s decision. Sources told Reuters that Biden experienced a “last-minute change of heart,” indicating that until Saturday night, he had no intention of dropping out of the race. However, after multiple meetings with his top advisors on Sunday afternoon, he decided to withdraw.
Biden’s exit and endorsement of Kamala Harris set the stage for a historic campaign. Harris, if elected, would become the first female president of the United States, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s history. The Democratic Party now faces the task of rallying around Harris and ensuring a unified front as they prepare for the 2024 election.
This development has significant implications for both the Democratic and Republican parties. For the Democrats, it means rallying support for Harris and addressing any internal divisions. For the Republicans, it presents an opportunity to recalibrate their strategy against a new opponent. As the campaign season heats up, all eyes will be on Harris and Trump, setting the stage for a fiercely contested election.
