The news92 shakes up the political landscape with a surprising twist: US President Joe Biden has announced the end of his re-election campaign, throwing his support behind Vice-President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. In a bold move, Biden, 81, cited the “greatest honor” of serving but emphasized his withdrawal was “in the best interest of my party and the country.”
This decision marks a pivotal moment in US politics, following a tumultuous period highlighted by a contentious debate performance against Donald Trump on June 27. Biden plans to remain in office until January.
Harris, 59, expressed gratitude for Biden’s endorsement, vowing to “earn and win this nomination” and unite against Trump. Despite gaining endorsements from prominent party figures, Harris awaits formal nomination at the Democratic National Convention in August.
Meanwhile, Trump has surged ahead in polls, securing the Republican nomination after surviving an assassination attempt at the party’s convention in Milwaukee.
Following Biden’s withdrawal, Trump and other senior Republicans criticized his fitness to serve, calling for his immediate departure from the White House.
The sudden decision caught even White House staff off guard, although Biden had briefed Harris and a select few beforehand.
Prominent Democrats, including Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi, praised Biden’s legacy and swiftly backed Harris as the nominee for November’s election. Bill and Hillary Clinton pledged their full support to Harris, promising to fight vigorously for her election.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and other potential contenders lauded Biden’s selflessness and endorsed Harris, highlighting her resilience in facing Trump.
The Democratic National Committee swiftly renamed its fundraising committees in support of the Harris Victory Fund and Harris Action Fund. Major donors, such as Reid Hoffman and Alexander Soros, publicly endorsed Harris within hours of Biden’s announcement.
In response, the pro-Trump super-PAC Make America Great Again launched an advertisement attacking Harris, accusing her of covering up Biden’s alleged cognitive decline.
Trump dismissed the Democratic shift as more of the same, predicting little change from the Left.
Biden faced heightened scrutiny following his June debate performance, compounded by incidents such as confusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with President Putin and misidentifying Harris as “Vice President Trump.”
Despite these challenges, Biden initially resisted calls to withdraw, citing divine will, but reconsidered after his Covid diagnosis, pledging to resume campaigning.
In his farewell statement, Biden thanked Harris as an “extraordinary partner” and expressed gratitude to the American people for their trust, reaffirming his belief in America’s collective strength.
With the Democratic National Convention looming in August, focus now shifts to the nomination process, previously dominated by Biden’s primary sweep, which now opens opportunities for other candidates.]
