In a surprising move, U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Sunday the end of his reelection
campaign amid concerns over his mental health and electability against Donald Trump. Biden,
81, declared his decision in a statement, affirming his commitment to serve as president until
January 2025. He emphasized that stepping down from the race was in the best interest of his
party and the nation, allowing him to focus solely on his presidential duties.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” Biden wrote, initially
omitting an endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. However, shortly after, he expressed
his support for Harris, 59, noting her potential as the first Black woman to lead a major-party
ticket in U.S. history.
If Harris secures the nomination, it would mark a significant milestone for the Democratic Party,
presenting the first Black and Asian American woman to run for president in a nation that has yet
to elect a woman as president in over two centuries.
Biden, who became the oldest U.S. president elected in 2020, initially portrayed himself as a
transitional figure. Despite considering a second term to defeat Trump again, doubts about his
age and health prompted his decision to step aside.
Following Biden’s announcement, attention now shifts to Harris and the Democrats’ strategy to
contest against Trump, who faces legal challenges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020
election results.
The move sets up a stark contrast between Harris, a former prosecutor, and Trump, highlighting
generational and legal differences ahead of the upcoming election cycle.
