Biden Ends Reelection Campaign, Harris Endorsed
WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden has decided to end his reelection campaign. This decision comes after fellow Democrats expressed doubts about his mental sharpness and ability to beat Donald Trump. Instead, they have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s candidate.
Biden, who is 81 years old, announced on X that he will continue to serve as President until January 2025. He plans to address the nation this week.
"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. While I intended to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term," Biden wrote.
Initially, Biden didn’t mention Harris in his statement, but he later expressed his support for her.
Historic Move
Kamala Harris, 59, is set to make history as the first Black woman to run for the presidency on a major-party ticket. Former President Trump commented on CNN that he believes Harris would be easier to defeat.
Biden’s Change of Heart
A source close to the situation revealed that Biden had a change of heart. On Saturday night, he planned to stay in the race, but by Sunday afternoon, he decided to step down. He quickly announced his decision on social media.
It remains unclear if other senior Democrats will challenge Harris for the party’s nomination, although she is widely supported by many party officials.
Pressure from Democrats
Biden faced significant pressure from Democratic lawmakers and officials to quit the race after a poor performance in a debate against Trump. His difficulty in completing clear sentences shifted public focus from Trump’s false statements to Biden’s fitness for another term.
Biden further raised concerns in a recent interview where he dismissed worries about his age and the widening gap in polls. His gaffes at a NATO summit added to the anxiety.
Health Concerns
Biden’s recent COVID-19 diagnosis, his third, forced him to cut short a campaign trip to Las Vegas. Over 10% of congressional Democrats publicly called for him to exit the race. His decision to step down is historic, as he is the first sitting president to give up his party’s nomination since Lyndon Johnson in 1968.
Harris’s Challenge
If Harris becomes the nominee, she will be the first Black and Asian American woman to run for the White House. This represents a significant gamble by the Democratic Party.
Biden, the oldest US president ever elected, initially planned to serve as a bridge to the next generation of Democratic leaders. However, his advanced age and recent performance made many doubt his ability to win another term.
Democratic Concerns
Top Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, urged Biden to step aside, fearing a loss to Trump and a potential wipeout in the House and Senate. Biden initially resisted but eventually accepted the growing concern among his party members.
Conclusion
Biden’s departure sets the stage for a new race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Harris, a former prosecutor, will face a challenging campaign against Trump, who is currently dealing with multiple criminal charges.
