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-Editorial
President Joe Biden declared his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. The announcement came through a letter reflecting on his administration’s achievements over the past three and a half years.
Biden highlighted the nation’s progress, noting America’s robust economy, historic investments in healthcare, and significant advancements in climate legislation. He emphasized the historic appointment of the first African American woman to the Supreme Court and the passage of the first gun safety law in 30 years. Biden also acknowledged the collective efforts to overcome a pandemic and economic crisis, strengthen democracy, and enhance global alliances.
Biden expressed deep gratitude to the American people and his administration’s partners, including Vice President Kamala Harris.
“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,” Biden wrote in a letter posted to his X account. He then asked Democrats to support Kamala Harris as the party’s nominee and defeat Trump.
Former President Donald Trump reacted: “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 through lies, Fake News, and not leaving his basement. All those around him, including his doctor and the media, knew he wasn’t capable of being President—and he wasn’t. Look at what he’s done to our country, with millions of people crossing our border unchecked and unvetted, many from prisons, mental institutions, and record numbers of terrorists. We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
His decision opens the race to new Democratic candidates, reshaping the 2024 electoral landscape just months before Election Day.
Health concerns surrounding President Joe Biden, particularly related to his age, have raised significant worries within the Democratic Party about his potential second term. These concerns intensified after Biden’s performance in a June 2024 debate, where his faltering appearance, hoarse voice, and lapses in recalling statistics drew criticism.
In response to the debate backlash, Biden announced several progressive policy initiatives, including Supreme Court reforms, a national assault weapons ban, and measures to limit rent increases. Despite these efforts, internal party dynamics and health issues have continued to cast uncertainty over his candidacy.
Biden, who assumed office at 78, was previously noted for his “exceptional health profile” by the Journal on Active Aging and his physician, Kevin O’Connor. However, recent reports have raised additional concerns. In July 2024, The New York Times revealed that neurologist Kevin Cannard, who specializes in movement disorders, visited the White House multiple times, including meetings with Biden’s physician.
On July 17, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed concerns about potential Democratic losses in Congress. Additionally, donors have paused campaign funding, and Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on the same day. The New York Times reported that Biden was increasingly receptive to the idea of withdrawing from the race.
Candidates seeking to replace Biden will need to secure signatures from delegates and win a majority at the convention. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump’s campaign has prepared opposition research on potential Democratic candidates, anticipating that pressure on Biden to withdraw may influence the upcoming election dynamics.
