President Joe Biden’s move comes as pressure mounts within his Democratic party about his ability to serve another term|US Secretary of Defense|CC BY 2.0
Ending speculations, President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he will not seek reelection amid mounting pressure from Democratic leaders and donors asking him to step aside after his disastrous performance in a presidential debate against Donald Trump last month.
“It was in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down,” Biden said in a social media post.
He has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him in receiving the nomination at the Democratic National Convention, which will take place in Chicago in August.
What’s next?
VP Harris expressed gratitude for Biden’s endorsement, calling it an honor and committing to “earn and win” the nomination.
If nominated, Harris would be the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead a major political party’s ticket.
But, despite gaining support from top Democrats, including former president Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, it remains uncertain if Harris will secure the nomination.
Additionally, Senator Joe Manchin, a West Virginia independent, is considering re-registering as a Democrat to run for president.
Trump’s reaction
The former president described Biden’s exit as a “shock” and claimed he was pressured out of the race.
The situation is historic in modern US politics, as no major party’s presumptive nominee has withdrawn so close to an election since President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, who stepped aside after facing mounting opposition and declining support.