United States President Joe Biden has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming November Presidential election, citing the best interests of the Democratic Party and the country. The 81-year-old made the announcement on Sunday, July 21, following weeks of scrutiny over his ability to serve after his debate performance against Republican challenger, Donald Trump. This historic decision concludes Biden's 50-year career in politics, which culminated in his tenure at the White House.
In a letter posted to his X account, Biden wrote, "It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term." He reflected on the challenges faced during his presidency and expressed gratitude to the American people for their resilience and support.
Biden highlighted the achievements of his administration, including overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, revitalizing the economy, and strengthening global alliances. He praised Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her "an extraordinary partner," and emphasized the administration's progress in areas such as veterans' care, gun safety, and climate legislation. "Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our nation, lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and expanding affordable health care," Biden noted.
The decision follows growing pressure from Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who suggested that Biden step aside for the good of the nation. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama also played key roles in advising Biden to reconsider his candidacy, citing recent polling data that showed him trailing Trump in swing states. Biden’s recent positive COVID-19 test further complicated his campaign plans, leading to his ultimate decision to withdraw from the race.
