Serving in the White House has been a profound honor for President Biden, who made the difficult decision to abandon his re-election campaign. This move came as a response to mounting pressure from the Democratic Party, aiming to prevent Donald Trump’s return to the presidency. It is unprecedented for a sitting U.S. president to withdraw from a race so close to the election.
President Biden’s Statement
In a letter shared on social media, President Biden expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as President and announced his intention to complete his term, focusing on his duties. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, pledging his full support. Shortly after, Harris declared her candidacy, vowing to earn the nomination with determination.
Background of the Decision
Despite indications of a full-speed campaign as of Saturday, Biden informed his staff of his withdrawal moments before making the public announcement. This unexpected turn of events follows a timeline leading to his decision.
Response and Global Reaction
Democratic voters expressed relief at Biden’s decision while remaining concerned about the future political landscape and the readiness of Americans to elect a Black woman as President. Undecided voters signaled openness to alternative candidates. Internationally, foreign leaders extended congratulations and empathy to Biden amid the political upheaval in the U.S.
