Joe Biden Steps Down from 2024 Presidential Race

President Joe Biden has decided not to run for president in 2024. He announced his decision on July 21, 2024. He said he believes Vice President Kamala Harris should lead the Democratic Party. This comes after many Democrats worried about his chances in the election.
By Newsroom | US Politics, Elections |

Democrats Grapple with Candidate's Future Amidst Mounting Concerns

A significant number of Democratic lawmakers are expressing serious doubts about President Joe Biden's ability to secure victory in the 2024 presidential election. These concerns, amplified after a widely scrutinized debate performance, have led to increasing calls for Biden to step aside. While the President and his campaign maintain a stance of resilience, a palpable division has emerged within the party regarding the path forward, with some advocating for a new generation of leadership. The stakes are high, as a fractured party faces the prospect of a challenging general election.

6 years after political comeback, Biden faces cold shoulder from fellow Democrats - 1

Internal Party Division Over Biden's Candidacy

Following a debate where President Biden's performance drew widespread criticism, a segment of Democratic congressional members has publicly and privately urged him to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. These calls highlight a growing unease within the party about Biden's viability as a candidate against potential Republican opposition.

Read More: FBI Search of Georgia Election Records Investigated

6 years after political comeback, Biden faces cold shoulder from fellow Democrats - 2

  • Calls for Withdrawal: Multiple senior House Democrats have conveyed to party leaders their belief that President Biden should step down as the nominee. Sources familiar with these private discussions indicate a serious internal debate.

  • Public Dissent: As of late July 2024, 31 House Democrats and four Senate Democrats have publicly called for President Biden to exit the race. Prominent among them are Representative Lloyd Doggett of Texas, who was the first to urge withdrawal, and Senator Peter Welch of Vermont.

  • Reasons Cited: Lawmakers are weighing arguments that center on the country's future and the party's electoral prospects. Concerns often revolve around Biden's age, perceived decline, and his standing in opinion polls. Some, like Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, have invoked historical precedents, suggesting Biden should follow the example of leaders who chose not to seek a third term. Representative Betty McCollum of Minnesota has suggested Biden release his delegates to empower Vice President Kamala Harris to become the nominee.

Read More: House Passes Bill to Require Proof of Citizenship for Voting

"I have faith he’ll do it this time too." - Andrew Weinstein, a longtime Biden supporter and donor.

Biden's Response and Campaign Strategy

Despite the internal pressure, President Biden and his campaign have adopted a strategy of resilience, emphasizing his past achievements and ability to overcome setbacks. The campaign is actively working to counter the narrative of decline and reinforce his candidacy.

6 years after political comeback, Biden faces cold shoulder from fellow Democrats - 3

  • Doubling Down: President Biden is reportedly "doubling down" on his campaign, with aides engaged in continuous communication.

  • Focus on Accomplishments: In discussions with lawmakers, Biden has often highlighted his achievements during his presidency.

  • Historical Resilience: The campaign team is drawing on Biden's history of overcoming challenges to justify his continued candidacy, suggesting a pattern of success in the face of adversity.

  • Upcoming Interview: President Biden is scheduled for an interview with George Stephanopoulos on ABC News, his first since the debate, with clips expected to air on Friday.

Concerns Over Age and Perceived Decline

A central theme in the calls for Biden to withdraw is the concern over his age and its potential impact on his performance and electability. Reports suggest that even close allies are privately expressing these anxieties.

Read More: Nancy Mace Wants to Release Epstein Files

6 years after political comeback, Biden faces cold shoulder from fellow Democrats - 4

  • Debate Fallout: The fallout from Biden's debate performance on June 27 has significantly amplified concerns about his ability to defeat Donald Trump in November.

  • Advisers Under Scrutiny: Some Democrats are reportedly angry, believing that Biden's closest advisors may have shielded the public from the full extent of his decline.

  • Poll Numbers: Worries are compounded by weak poll numbers and a perceived lack of broad party support, with some analyses suggesting his campaign may not have a "plausible path to victory."

  • Presidential Library and Memoir: One report notes that at a time Biden might have expected to plan for a presidential library and write memoirs, he faces potential inquiries and questions related to his exit from politics.

"Whatever he decides, we go with." - A statement made on MSNBC regarding the situation.

Key Figures and Shifting Dynamics

The discussions surrounding Biden's candidacy involve prominent Democratic figures, including former President Barack Obama and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who have reportedly conveyed concerns to Biden and his team. The dynamics within Biden's inner circle are also seen as crucial, with the First Lady and his sister, Valerie Biden Owens, suggested as potential persuaders if presented with concrete data.

Read More: Karimnagar Election: Over 340,000 Voters Ready to Choose 66 Leaders

  • High-Level Discussions: Reports indicate that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer met with Biden to express concerns about potential Democratic losses in Congress if his campaign continued.

  • Isolation: Some accounts suggest President Biden has become increasingly isolated, with his close circle shrinking in recent days.

  • Family Influence: Biden's family members, including his wife Jill Biden, have been noted for their resilience narrative. His sister, Valerie Biden Owens, and First Lady Jill Biden are considered by some advisors to be the only ones who could persuade him to leave the race, contingent on hard data.

Withdrawal and Succession Plans

As the situation evolved, reports emerged of President Biden planning a possible exit from the race with close aides. This culminated in his formal withdrawal announcement.

  • Announcement of Withdrawal: On July 21, 2024, President Biden released a letter announcing the withdrawal of his presidential candidacy.

  • Successor Endorsed: In his announcement, Biden quickly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor to lead the Democratic ticket. He expressed confidence in her qualifications, stating he would not have chosen her as vice president if he didn't believe she was qualified to be president.

  • Reasons for Withdrawal: The decision was reportedly influenced by worsening poll numbers and a loss of party support, indicating a lack of a clear path to victory.

  • The decision by President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race marks a significant shift for the Democratic Party, driven by internal concerns about his electability and age, and leading to the endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.

Sources:

Read More: Trump Asks Republicans to 'Nationalize Voting,' Causing Worry

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Joe Biden decide to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race?
Many Democrats were worried about his age and if he could win the election. His performance in a recent debate also raised concerns.
Q: Who will lead the Democratic Party now?
President Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the new leader for the Democrats in the election.
Q: When did Joe Biden announce his decision?
He announced his withdrawal on July 21, 2024. He said he would not seek re-election.
Q: What were some of the reasons given for his withdrawal?
Concerns about his age, poll numbers, and his ability to win against other candidates were key reasons.