In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden has announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, citing concerns about his mental fitness.
The historic announcement, made via his official social media on Sunday, marks the first time a sitting U.S. president has declined his party’s nomination for a second term since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968.
Unprecedented Decision Amidst Party Turmoil
The announcement follows a tumultuous period for the Democratic Party, sparked by Biden’s poor performance in a June 27 debate against Republican candidate Donald Trump.
During the debate, Biden appeared frail and struggled to articulate his points, leading to widespread calls for him to step down. These calls intensified over the past three weeks, with numerous elected officials, pundits, and donors urging Biden to reconsider his candidacy.
Mounting Evidence of Decline
Reports have surfaced suggesting that Biden’s debate performance was not an isolated incident.
Allegations indicate that the president has experienced several similar episodes in recent years, both publicly and behind the scenes. These reports, coupled with Biden’s declining poll numbers, fueled the calls for his withdrawal.
Pressure to step down reportedly came from top Democratic leaders, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Despite this, Biden remained defiant, asserting his intention to stay in the race until recent days.
Future of the Democratic Nomination
With Biden stepping down, the Democratic Party faces the challenge of selecting a new nominee. Vice President Kamala Harris is a strong contender, given her current position and access to campaign funds. However, some party members advocate for a “mini primary” to determine the best candidate to challenge Trump in November. Potential contenders include Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The Democratic Convention in Chicago, scheduled for August 19-22, will be a critical event where delegates will choose the party’s new standard bearer.
