President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he will not run for reelection in 2024 and is supporting Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination. Biden made the announcement on social media, saying he believes it is best for the party and the country to focus on his current duties as president. He plans to address the nation later this week.
Biden, who is recovering from COVID-19 in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, endorsed Harris shortly after his announcement. He emphasized that choosing Harris as his Vice President in 2020 was his best decision and urged Democrats to unite to defeat Donald Trump. Harris expressed her honor in receiving Biden’s endorsement and committed to winning the nomination and uniting the party.
Former President Trump reacted by criticizing Biden but suggested that Harris would be easier to beat than Biden. Trump expressed surprise at Biden’s decision and suggested Biden was pressured out of the race by his own party. Trump also questioned the fairness of the situation, claiming his campaign had wasted resources on running against Biden.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) will now start a process to find a new candidate to run against Trump. DNC Chair Jaime Harrison assured that the process would be transparent and orderly. Alan Clendenin, a DNC executive committee member, expects most delegates to support Harris.
Biden’s decision follows a difficult debate performance and growing concerns within his party about his health and ability to win against Trump. Despite his efforts to stay in the race, pressure from top Democrats led to his withdrawal. This decision marks a rare occurrence where a sitting president eligible for reelection chooses not to run.
Biden’s family publicly supported his decision. First Lady Jill Biden and granddaughter Naomi Biden praised him on social media, while his son Hunter Biden expressed admiration for his father’s dedication. However, Biden’s brother Frank suggested health concerns influenced the decision, which was disputed by a source familiar with the Biden family.
The upcoming Democratic National Convention in August will be crucial in selecting a new nominee. The process will be challenging, but the party aims to unite and choose a candidate who can defeat Trump in November.
