On Sunday, US President Joe Biden made a surprising announcement, declaring that he would be dropping out of the 2024 US presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate. This decision has sent shockwaves throughout the political landscape of the country, raising questions about what led to this unexpected turn of events.
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The Announcement of President Joe Biden
Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race came after a series of intense discussions and a poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump. The debate debacle, coupled with increasing pressure from within his own party, culminated in Biden’s exit from the race. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic candidate, hoping to rally the party and strengthen their chances against the Republicans.
What Happened Before the Announcement?
My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best… pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
According to reports, the first person Joe Biden informed about his decision was Vice President Kamala Harris. He also held meetings with White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and his campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon. A meeting was called for Biden’s campaign and White House staff at 1:45 PM, where Biden briefed them about his decision. The chief of staff formally announced Biden’s decision to the entire White House staff around 2:30 PM.
Reasons Behind Biden’s Exit
Poor Debate Performance
Biden’s debate performance against Donald Trump on June 27 was widely criticized. The President attributed his poor performance to jet lag and international travel, but this did not quell the growing concerns within the Democratic Party.
Internal Pressure from Democrats
Calls for Joe Biden to drop out intensified after his debate performance. Over the past week, 36 congressional Democrats publicly urged Joe Biden to withdraw from the race, citing concerns over his mental acuity and ability to lead the party to victory in the upcoming elections.
Fear of Losing the White House and Congress
Democratic lawmakers expressed fears that Joe Biden‘s continued campaign could jeopardize not only the presidency but also their chances of controlling either chamber of Congress. The fear of a sweeping loss drove many to call for a new candidate who could better unify and energize the party.
Joe Biden’s Last-Minute Change of Heart
Sources revealed that up until Saturday night, Biden had no intention of dropping out of the race. However, after multiple meetings with his top advisors and considering the mounting pressure, he had a change of heart on Sunday afternoon and decided to withdraw.
Summary of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 27 | Joe Biden’s poor debate performance against Donald Trump |
| Past week | Increasing pressure from within the Democratic Party to drop out |
| Sunday | Joe Biden calls Kamala Harris, meets with top advisors, and briefs campaign staff |
| Sunday 1:45 PM | Meeting with campaign and White House staff to announce his decision |
| Sunday 2:30 PM | Formal announcement of Joe Biden’s decision to the entire White House staff |
Pros and Cons of Joe Biden’s Decision
Pros:
- Unified Democratic Party: Endorsing Kamala Harris might unify the party and strengthen its position against the Republicans.
- New Energy: A new candidate could bring fresh energy and ideas to the campaign, appealing to a broader base of voters.
- Avoiding a Debacle: Dropping out now might prevent a disastrous election outcome for the Democrats.
Cons:
- Perceived Weakness: Joe Biden‘s withdrawal might be seen as a sign of weakness, potentially emboldening the opposition.
- Campaign Disruption: The sudden change in candidates could disrupt the Democratic campaign strategy and lead to initial confusion.
- Loss of Experience: Joe Biden’s vast political experience and leadership during his term might be missed in the campaign.
Conclusion
Joe Biden’s decision to exit the 2024 US presidential race marks a significant moment in American politics. With Kamala Harris stepping up as the new Democratic candidate, the party faces the challenge of rallying behind her and presenting a united front in the upcoming elections. The coming months will reveal how this decision impacts the political landscape and the Democratic Party’s chances in the 2024 US election.
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