US Election: Why Biden Withdrew from Presidential Race

 

President Joe Biden's Unexpected Withdrawal:

On July 21, 2024, President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, a decision that reshapes the political landscape just months before the election. This move marks a significant shift in the already turbulent race, and Biden’s departure from the race has been met with various reactions and implications.

Reasons for Withdrawal:

1. Party Pressure:

   • High-ranking Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, had privately expressed concerns about Biden's viability as a candidate.
   • Former President Barack Obama also reportedly doubted Biden's chances of winning the election, contributing to the pressure on him to withdraw.

2. Calls for a New Generation:

   • Senator Joe Manchin argued that it was time for Biden to pass the torch to a new generation, emphasizing that Biden’s focus should be on pressing issues like supporting Ukraine and addressing the Israel-Gaza conflict.
   • Congressman Jamie Raskin compared Biden to a baseball pitcher whose arm has "tired out," suggesting that it was time for new leadership.

3. Public and Political Opposition:

   • There was growing public and political opposition to Biden’s candidacy. Some lawmakers, including those from both the Senate and House, voiced their concerns and called for him to step down.
   • The dissatisfaction was evident after Biden's performance in a debate, where critics felt he failed to effectively defend his accomplishments.

Endorsement of Kamala Harris:

In his announcement, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. He expressed confidence in Harris, stating that choosing her as his running mate in 2020 was one of his best decisions. Biden urged Democrats to unite behind Harris and focus on defeating Donald Trump.

Trump’s Reaction:

Former President Donald Trump responded to Biden's withdrawal by criticizing him as “not fit to run” for president. Trump claimed that Biden was incapable of serving effectively and suggested that his presidency had caused significant damage that would need to be remedied.

Next Steps:

Biden’s withdrawal leaves the Democratic Party with a clear path to rally behind Kamala Harris as the new candidate. The decision has set the stage for a potentially dramatic shift in the 2024 presidential election dynamics. Biden has announced that he will address the nation on this matter in the coming week, further outlining his reasons and future plans