US PRESIDENT Joe Biden has announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, plunging the contest into uncharted territory. This unexpected decision means the Democratic Party must now find a new candidate to face Republican nominee Donald Trump in the upcoming November election, a race already fraught with tension, division, and even an assassination attempt.
The 81-year-old president’s decision follows months of intense speculation regarding his age and ability to serve another term, exacerbated by a series of high-profile gaffes and a notably poor debate performance. Despite previously asserting his suitability to defeat Mr Trump, Mr Biden had been under mounting pressure from within his own party to step aside.
A source close to the president recently disclosed that “we’re close to the end,” following reports that former President Barack Obama, who had selected Mr Biden as his vice-president during his two terms, had expressed concerns about his ally’s re-election bid. Furthermore, Mr Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while on the campaign trail, experiencing mild symptoms including “general malaise.”
The focus now shifts to the Democratic National Convention in August, where the party will select a new candidate to lead the charge against Mr Trump in what promises to be a highly contentious election.
This is Joe Biden’s full statement pulling out of the race for the White House:
“My Fellow Americans, over the past three-and-a-half years, we have made great progress as a nation. Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans.
“We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.
“I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. 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 we’ve revitalised and strengthened our alliances around the world.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.
“I will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about my decision. For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me re-elected.
“I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.
“I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.”
