In a dramatic turn of events, President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the White House race on Sunday (July 21).
Democrats and former high-profile supporters have relentlessly campaigned for him to resign. Amidst his ongoing battle with COVID-19, Biden announced on Sunday via his official X account.
“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,” tweeted Biden. “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 decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
This follows a series of setbacks for the Democratic Party, including a lackluster debate performance against Donald Trump, 78, multiple public memory lapses, severe criticism from former supporters like George Clooney, and concerns about his physical and mental fitness to serve.
In his resignation statement, posted as a type-written letter, Biden reflected on his administration’s achievements over the past three and a half years. “We have made great progress as a nation,” he stated.
He highlighted America’s strong economy, historic investments in national infrastructure, reductions in prescription drug costs for seniors, and the expansion of affordable health care. Biden also noted the administration’s efforts in providing care to veterans exposed to toxic substances, enacting the first gun safety law in 30 years, appointing the first African American woman to the Supreme Court, and passing significant climate legislation.
“America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today,” he emphasized.
Biden expressed gratitude to the American people for their support. “Together, we overcame a once-in-a-century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our democracy and strengthened our alliances around the world.”
Biden’s exit from the presidential race plunges the Democratic Party into uncertainty with only four months remaining until election day. Donald Trump, speaking to NBC News, remarked, “There has never been a president who has done such damage to our country, from energy independence to letting in millions and millions of illegal immigrants.”
When asked about his reaction to Biden’s announcement, Trump stated that Biden “should never have been there in the first place.”
President Joe Biden announced his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place in the Presidential race. “And if you’re with us, donate to her campaign here,” he tweeted.