Trump’s Scathing Critique
Former President Donald Trump responded sharply to Joe Biden’s announcement that he will not seek re-election, labeling him “the worst President in the history of the United States.”
Posting on his social media platform, Truth, Trump asserted, “Crooked Joe Biden is the Worst President, by far, in the History of our Nation. He has done everything possible to destroy our Country, from our Southern Border to Energy Dominance, National Security, International Standing, and so much more.”
He added, “He was annihilated in an Earth Shattering Debate, and now the Corrupt and Radical Democrats are throwing him overboard.”
Biden’s announcement
President Biden, currently in self-isolation due to COVID-19, made his announcement on social media platform X. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” Biden wrote. “And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interests of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.”
Reactions from former presidents
Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton also weighed in. Obama praised Biden, stating, “Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded – again – that he’s a patriot of the highest order.” Clinton lauded Biden’s “extraordinary” and “brilliant” political career.
Pressure and performance issues
Biden’s decision follows mounting pressure from within the Democratic Party and a notably poor performance in a CNN-broadcasted debate. During the debate, Biden appeared confused and struggled to finish his sentences. Subsequent weeks were marked by a series of gaffes, including mistakenly referring to himself as “the first black woman” to serve in the White House and confusing President Volodymyr Zelensky with President Vladimir Putin, which intensified concerns about his cognitive health.
Endorsement of Kamala Harris
Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. In his post on X, Biden stated that choosing Harris as his Vice President was “the best decision I’ve ever made.” This endorsement positions Harris to face Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, in the upcoming November election.