Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race, endorsing Kamala Harris as his pick for his party’s nominee.
This decision followed significant pressure from fellow Democrats after a poor debate performance on June 27.
At 81, Biden announced he would not pursue another term, citing concerns about his physical and mental sharpness after the debate. During the debate, Biden struggled to complete sentences, appeared confused, and fumbled through his responses, which aired to a global audience.
Despite weeks of increasing pressure from his party, Biden had initially remained firm in his intention to continue his campaign, at one point suggesting that only divine intervention could change his mind.
After the debate, Biden admitted to having an off night, attributing his performance to a cold. His aides noted that he had recently returned from an international trip, which they blamed for his illness, despite him spending nearly a week at Camp David prior to the debate.
Biden's campaign had pushed for an early debate, hoping it would positively shift the polls. However, the outcome was the opposite.
In contrast, President Trump has experienced a resurgence, with significant legal and political victories. An attempted assassination attempt on him recently unified Republican support, culminating in a celebratory and cohesive nomination at the Republican National Convention.
Read Biden’s statement here.
