By President Joe Biden has announced he will not seek re-election, responding to mounting pressure from Democratic leaders concerned about his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in November.
According to USA Today, Biden made the announcement from his residence in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where he has been in self-isolation since testing positive for COVID-19.
The decision marks a significant departure for Biden, who faced increasing calls to step aside following a contentious debate with Trump on June 27 that raised questions about his readiness.
His withdrawal comes after stark warnings from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who cautioned that Biden’s candidacy could jeopardize Democratic prospects in Congress.
More than 30 congressional Democrats had urged Biden to renounce his bid, stating concerns expressed by Democratic donors and former President Barack Obama.
With less than 110 days until Election Day, the Democratic National Committee must now select an alternative nominee to challenge Trump, whose polling lead has grown amidst internal Democratic discord.
Vice President Kamala Harris emerges as the frontrunner to succeed Biden, while Democratic governors such as Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, and Gavin Newsom of California are also potential contenders.
Biden’s decision not to seek reelection makes him the first incumbent president since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 to opt out of a second term amid national challenges.
Throughout his five-decade career in Washington, Biden, aged 81, has faced scrutiny over his age, particularly highlighted after his performance in the first debate with Trump, where he struggled to counter his opponent’s assertions and appeared hesitant in articulating clear arguments.
His campaign faced fundraising challenges and lagged in crucial battleground states, prompting doubts among Democrats about his electability.
Biden’s departure from the race marks the conclusion of a long political journey that began with an unexpected Senate victory in 1972 and included eight years as vice president under President Obama.
