In an unprecedented turn of events, U.S. President Joe Biden has announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.
The announcement came via a letter posted on social media on Sunday, July 21st, where President Biden stated it was “in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down.” This dramatic development has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, significantly altering the trajectory of the upcoming election with less than four months until voters’ head to the polls on November 5.
It came as a surprise, but in some corners, not as much. Biden, 81, had been getting calls to take the action. When the letter was released, it shocked everyone.
In his letter, President Biden emphasized the honour and privilege of serving as President. Despite his initial intention to seek re-election, he acknowledged that stepping down would allow him to focus entirely on fulfilling his presidential duties for the remainder of his term. He pledged his full support and endorsement to Vice President Kamala Harris, urging Democrats to unite behind her to defeat Donald Trump.
Biden’s decision follows weeks of intense speculation and debate among Democrats. Concerns over his mental acuity were reignited after a particularly challenging debate performance against Trump. These concerns were reflected in an Associated Press poll, where nearly two-thirds of Democratic voters wanted Biden to withdraw from the race.
The fallout of the decision
Vice President Kamala Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee, expressed her gratitude for Biden’s endorsement. If elected, Harris would become the first female President of the United States and stated her commitment to uniting the Democratic Party and the nation to defeat Trump.
Several influential Democrats quickly rallied behind Harris. Former President Bill Clinton and 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton issued a joint statement endorsing her candidacy. California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been seen as a potential future presidential candidate, also backed Harris, praising her as the best candidate to guide the country in a healthier direction.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) faces the immediate challenge of formalizing Harris’s nomination in the weeks leading up to the party’s national convention on August 19. DNC Chair Jaime Harrison assured that the party would swiftly outline the next steps in the nomination process.
While some potential challengers, such as West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, are rumored to be considering entering the race, many high-profile Democrats have already pledged their support to Harris. Senate leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Biden’s decision, emphasizing his legacy and contributions to the country.
Biden’s overwhelming victory in the Democratic primaries secured him 3,896 delegates, a testament to his broad support across the party. However, current party rules do not allow Biden to transfer these delegates to another candidate simply. Despite this, his endorsement will likely significantly influence the delegate’s support.
With Biden stepping aside, the Democrats technically face an open convention. However, Biden’s endorsement of Harris pushes the party into uncharted waters. Harris now faces the challenge of solidifying support from the nearly 4,000 delegates and more than 700 superdelegates, including party leaders, certain elected officials, and former presidents and vice presidents.
Even before Biden’s announcement, there was speculation about potential challengers such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. However, given Harris’s unique position as the first woman, first Black woman, and first person of South Asian descent to hold national office, it is likely that many Democrats will rally behind her to avoid the risks associated with passing her over for a white nominee. Black voters, especially Black women, have been crucial to Biden’s nomination and his selection of Harris as a running mate, making it politically risky for the party to overlook her.
Biden’s campaign recently reported having $91 million in cash on hand, with allied Democratic campaign committees bringing the total to over $240 million. Campaign finance experts generally agree that Harris could control these funds, as the campaign was set up in her name and Biden’s. If the Democrats nominate someone other than Harris, party accounts could still benefit the nominee, but the Biden-Harris account would face more restrictions.
The vice-presidential nomination is always a separate convention vote. In routine years, the convention ratifies the nominee’s choice. If Harris quickly consolidates her support, she could name her choice for vice president, which the delegates would then ratify. However, if the nomination process becomes contentious, the vice presidency could become a bargaining chip reminiscent of conventions from an earlier era.
Republican Reactions
Unsurprisingly, Biden’s announcement elicited strong reactions from the Republican camp. Former President Donald Trump, who has been gaining a polling lead over Biden in recent weeks, claimed that Biden was “not fit to run for president” and called for his immediate resignation from the presidency. Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson echoed this sentiment, stating that if Biden is unfit to run, he is also unfit to serve.
Any unexpected twist during a U.S. presidential campaign will likely result in a flurry of state and federal lawsuits. Some conservatives have threatened to challenge Harris’s placement on state ballots. However, state laws typically do not dictate how parties choose their nominees for president. Some GOP figures, such as Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, have already worked to ensure that Democrats maintain routine ballot access.
Implications for U.S. Politics and Global Affairs
Biden’s decision to withdraw has far-reaching implications for both U.S. politics and global affairs. His presidency has been marked by significant geopolitical challenges, from tensions in the Indo-Pacific and Ukraine to the complexities of Middle Eastern politics. The sudden shift in the Democratic nomination process introduces new uncertainties at a critical moment in international relations.
Biden’s withdrawal marks the beginning of the end of one of Washington’s most storied political careers. Entering the Senate in 1973, serving as Vice-President under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017, and then becoming President in 2020, Biden’s career has spanned decades of American political history. His presidency navigated the country through a global pandemic, economic recovery, inflation, and war.
As the Democratic Party prepares for its national convention, the focus will be on unifying behind Harris and solidifying the party’s strategy to counter Trump’s campaign. The urgency of this task is underscored by the upcoming election, which is now just over three months away. The DNC’s ability to swiftly and effectively manage this transition will be crucial in maintaining party cohesion and presenting a strong front against the Republican nominee.
In a statement given after Biden’s announcement, Vice President Harris vowed to earn and win the nomination, signaling her readiness to take on the mantle of leadership and the challenges that come with it. Her campaign will likely emphasize continuity with Biden’s policies while also addressing the need for renewed energy and vision to tackle the nation’s pressing issues.
Written by Olivier Noudjalbaye Dedingar. USA/ UN Correspondent.
