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Biden Withdraws from 2024 Presidential Race Following Debate Fallout
President Joe Biden withdraws from the 2024 presidential race following a poor debate performance against Donald Trump.
President Joe Biden visits Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Nov. 16, 2022. Biden took the time to meet and speak with members of Team Andersen before departing to his next destination. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Clevenger)
WASHINGTON— President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, ending his bid for reelection. The move comes in the wake of a poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 27, which intensified doubts about Biden's ability to serve another term.
Biden, 81, faced mounting pressure from Democratic allies to step aside after the debate, where he was criticized for his disjointed answers and failure to challenge Trump's inaccuracies. Biden confirmed his intention to complete his current term, which concludes on January 20, 2025, and will address the nation later this week to elaborate on his decision.
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The White House confirmed the authenticity of Biden’s letter, which was posted on his X account. Despite his exit from the race, Biden has yet to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, who is seen as a leading candidate for the nomination. This unexpected departure has created a significant shakeup in the 2024 race, which is already viewed as a pivotal election.
The Democratic National Convention, scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago, will now face a tumultuous nomination process. Biden's withdrawal is unprecedented so close to an election, with the nearest comparison being President Lyndon Johnson’s 1968 decision not to seek reelection amid the Vietnam War.
Biden’s departure from the race ends a long career in politics, including his vice presidency under Barack Obama and his presidency since January 2021. His debate performance and ongoing concerns about his age and effectiveness contributed to his decision, despite his previous insistence on his ability to handle another term.
Biden's age and cognitive abilities had been subjects of public scrutiny, with many Americans expressing doubts about his suitability for a second term. The campaign also faced challenges related to Biden's handling of classified documents and his administration’s popularity on key issues.
As Biden exits, Democrats must quickly consolidate support for a new nominee and address the potential challenges of uniting the party before the convention. The race dynamics will now shift as Trump, who had focused on Biden, will need to redirect his campaign strategy.
