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Washington D.C., United States— Former President Barack Obama has lauded President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, describing it as a testament to Biden’s “love of country.” Obama emphasized that Biden had “every right” to run for reelection, praising his record and calling him a “patriot of the highest order.”
“We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges,” Obama stated.
Biden, 81, announced his decision on Sunday, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s new nominee. This unexpected move has significantly altered the dynamics of the 2024 election.
Biden expressed that it had been the “greatest honor of my life to serve as your president” and cited the need to focus on his current duties as the reason for stepping aside. His decision came after weeks of pressure following a poor performance in a television debate against former President Donald Trump, raising concerns about his age and health.
“While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden said in a letter on X (formerly Twitter).
Recovering from Covid at his beach house in Delaware, Biden promised to address the nation later in the week to elaborate on his decision. First Lady Jill Biden and other family members showed their support, with granddaughter Naomi Biden expressing pride in her grandfather.
Biden’s withdrawal has left the Democratic Party in a state of flux as the November 5 election approaches. His endorsement of Harris positions her as the frontrunner, aiming to become the first female president of the United States.
“Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,” Biden declared. “Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
Obama echoed the sentiment, cautioning that the party faces “uncharted waters” but expressing confidence in their ability to select an exceptional nominee.
The Republican response was swift, with Trump and others questioning Biden’s fitness to serve. This shift forces Trump to adjust his campaign strategy, which had been focused on Biden.
Democratic figures, including former President Bill Clinton and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, paid tribute to Biden’s contributions and endorsed Harris.
Biden’s decision marks a historic moment as he becomes the first president to withdraw so late in an election race due to concerns over his mental acuity and health. Despite attempts to counter criticisms, including multiple public appearances, Biden faced mounting pressure from within his party, culminating in his decision to step down.
The Democratic National Convention, scheduled for August 19 in Chicago, now becomes a critical juncture for the party to rally behind a new candidate. Harris, who has gained momentum on the campaign trail, particularly on issues like abortion rights, is expected to lead the charge against Trump.
Biden’s presidency has been marked by significant achievements, including strong support for Ukraine, a massive Covid recovery plan, and green industry initiatives. However, challenges such as the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal and persistent inflation have marred his tenure. Concerns about his age and health have been persistent, with numerous incidents highlighting his physical frailty.
As the nation moves forward, the Democratic Party faces the challenge of uniting behind Harris and navigating the complexities of an unpredictable election season.
