A Shocking Announcement
In a surprising turn of events, US President Joe Biden has announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. The decision comes after weeks of mounting pressure from within the Democratic Party, following a faltering debate performance against former President Donald Trump. Biden, 81, stated that stepping down is “in the best interest of my party and the country,” although he will remain in office for the remaining six months of his term.
Kamala Harris Steps Up
Vice-President Kamala Harris has been endorsed by Biden to be the new Democratic nominee. Harris, expressing her determination, stated she intends to “earn and win” the nomination and pledged to “unite our nation to defeat Donald Trump.” Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, who ran against Trump in 2016, have also endorsed Harris, urging Democrats to “fight with everything we’ve got to elect her.”
Mixed Reactions Within the Party
The reaction within the Democratic Party has been varied. While some members rally behind Harris, others express doubts about her ability to lead the party to victory. Former President Barack Obama expressed confidence that Democrats will nominate an “outstanding candidate,” though he refrained from endorsing Harris or any other candidate explicitly.
Public and Political Reactions
Public reaction to Biden’s decision has been diverse. Becca Hall, a 29-year-old beachgoer, noted Biden’s apparent decline and supported his retirement. However, some Democrats, like Kelly Thompson and Laurie Czajkowski, expressed concerns about Harris being the best candidate to unify the party against Trump.
On the other side, Trump supporters believe this development will not affect their candidate’s chances. Meanwhile, international figures like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised Biden for his leadership and partnership.
Biden’s Legacy and Final Months
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has worked with Biden for over two decades, lauded Biden’s accomplishments and expressed pride in continuing to work with him in his remaining term. The White House emphasised Biden’s achievements, including economic recovery and strengthening international alliances.
Despite calls from some Republicans for Biden to step down immediately, there is no indication he plans to leave office before his term ends. The administration insists Biden will continue to deliver “historic results for the American people.”
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris, the first woman and the first Black person to serve as California’s attorney general, has been a prominent figure in the Democratic Party. She became the junior US senator from California in 2017 and gained national attention during her 2020 presidential campaign. Despite not securing the nomination, Biden selected her as his vice-presidential candidate, bringing her back into the national spotlight.
As vice-president, Harris has focused on key initiatives such as reproductive rights and highlighting the harms of abortion bans. Although she has faced challenges in gaining broad appeal, recent weeks have seen renewed support for her candidacy.
Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 race marks a significant shift in the political landscape. As Kamala Harris steps up as the endorsed Democratic nominee, the party faces the challenge of uniting behind her to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election. The next few months will be crucial in shaping the future of the Democratic Party and the nation.
Further Reading
