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In a not surprising but historic move, US President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.
“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 decision I’ve made,” Biden said in a message posted on X. “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.”
Biden made this announcement while recovering from COVID-19, emphasizing his confidence in the Democratic Party’s ability to unify and present a strong candidate capable of defeating former President Donald Trump. This decision follows mounting concerns over Biden’s age and health, highlighted by his recent poor debate performance.
Former President Barack Obama praised Biden’s decision, describing his record of achievement during his term in office, stating Biden created jobs, reduced prescription drug costs, passed gun safety and climate change legislation, supported workers’ rights, restored America’s global standing, revitalized NATO, and led the response against Russian aggression in Ukraine.
“I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight. For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life. But I know he wouldn’t make this decision unless he believed it was right for America,” Obama said in a statement on Medium.
Party Rallies Behind Harris in a Wave of Endorsements
Harris, now considered the favorite to become the presumptive Democratic nominee, is leveraging Biden’s political machinery and campaign resources. Democratic leaders and party officials quickly rallied behind Harris, acknowledging Biden’s selfless decision to prioritize the nation’s future. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer lauded Biden’s legacy and patriotism.
Right after the announcement, almost 200 Democratic Party leaders endorsed Biden. According to The New York Times, 153 Representatives, 32 Senators, and 10 sitting Governors have already publicly supported Harris.
Among those who have endorsed Harris are Govs. Gavin Newsom (CA), Josh Shapiro (PA), and Roy Cooper (NC), all of whom were considered contenders for the presidency, were Biden to step down.
Obama has, however, not endorsed Harris, preferring to stay neutral, allowing the process to play out organically to avoid creating an impression of a coronation.
Harsh Biden critic, progressive commentator, and proprietor of the popular Young Turks YouTube channel Cenk Uygur praised Biden’s decision to step down but advocated for an open convention allowing delegates to choose among various Democratic talent.
Millions Raised After the Announcement
Right after Biden stepping down and endorsing Harris, Actblue, the Democratic Party fundraising machine announced that it had raised millions from small donations showing excitement over Harris.
“As of 9pm ET, grassroots supporters have raised $46.7 million through ActBlue following Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign launch. This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle. Small-dollar donors are fired up and ready to take on this election,” Actblue said in an X post.
The Democratic National Committee is now tasked with organizing a coherent and expedited nominating process. The party faces the challenge of convincing voters of Harris’s capability to lead amidst a highly polarized political climate.
This pivotal moment marks the end of Biden’s long and storied political career, which spanned over five decades. The transition to Harris’s leadership is seen as a bridge to a new generation, in line with Biden’s initial campaign promise of being a transitional figure.
The transition switches the age question that plagued Democrats to the Republican side, whose candidate, former President Donald Trump, stands to be the oldest person to ever run for the US presidency at 78.
Trump escaped the age scrutiny due to a sharp focus on Biden’s frailty, which appeared more pronounced. But Trump has had his fair share of “senior moments,” sometimes confusing names or appearing to lose his train of thought mid-sentence.
If elected, Harris will become the first woman president in US history.
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