President Joe Biden Ends Re-Election Bid: A Dramatic Turn in the Race for the White House

US President Joe Biden has announced that he will end his candidacy for re-election, saying "it is in the best interest of my party and the country".

In a dramatic turn of events, President Joe Biden announced on Sunday evening that he will not seek re-election, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming presidential race. This announcement follows his recent faltering debate performance against Donald Trump and marks a significant shift in the 2024 election dynamics.

In a letter posted on his social media accounts, President Biden reflected on his time in office. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as president,” he wrote. Despite his initial plans to run for a second term, Biden emphasized that his decision to step down was made in the best interest of his party and the country. “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 the duties as President for the remainder of my term,” he stated.

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The call for Biden to withdraw had been growing louder since his debate against Trump in late June, where he faced criticism for often being incoherent and speaking in a weak voice. His party attributed these issues to a cold, but the performance nonetheless intensified internal pressure. Expressing his gratitude, Biden praised Vice President Kamala Harris as an “extraordinary partner” and thanked the American people for their faith and trust. “And let me express my heartfelt appreciation for the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me,” he added. “I believe today and 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."

President Biden, who recently returned to his home in Delaware after being diagnosed with Covid, mentioned that he was looking forward to “getting back on the campaign trail next week.” However, his recent statement indicates a change in plans. He had previously asserted that only the “Lord Almighty” could make him withdraw but later conceded that a health condition might compel him to reconsider. Biden concluded his message by announcing that he would address the nation on the matter next week, providing further clarity and direction as the Democratic Party pivots to rally around Vice President Harris in the race for the White House.