Joe Biden’s surprise withdrawal: Inside the president’s decision to exit the 2024 race
In a dramatic turn of events, President Joe Biden gave his closest aides just one minute’s notice before announcing his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Despite assurances over the past week that he had no plans to step down, the president revealed his intention to exit the race on Sunday, signaling a major shift in the Democratic Party’s strategy.
A sudden change of heart
Up until Saturday, Biden’s aides were actively preparing a campaign schedule for his return from his beach house in Delaware, where he had been recovering from COVID-19. However, mounting pressure from within his party led Biden to reconsider his position. According to the BBC, Biden began to contemplate his withdrawal on Saturday evening, engaging in discussions with a small group of trusted aides, including Steve Richetti, Mike Donilon, Annie Tomasini, and Anthony Bernal.
Final decision
After reviewing new polling data and evaluating his chances against Donald Trump, Joe Biden drafted an exit statement. By Sunday morning, he had made his final decision and informed chief of staff Jeff Zients, campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon, and Vice President Kamala Harris of his plans. At 1:45 p.m. EDT, Joe Biden held a video call to inform his senior White House and campaign staff, and one minute later, he released his public statement.
Endorsement of Kamala Harris
Following his announcement, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. In a post on social media platform X, Biden described choosing Harris as “the best decision I’ve ever made,” setting her up to face Donald Trump in the November election. Harris, who would be the first woman and first Asian-American president if elected, expressed her gratitude for Biden’s support and affirmed her commitment to winning the nomination.
Party reactions
Prominent Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, have endorsed Harris. However, some party members, such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have suggested a preference for an open contest to decide the nominee. Former President Barack Obama, while expressing confidence in the party’s process, stopped short of explicitly endorsing Harris.
Facing Republican opposition
The Trump campaign has already intensified its attacks on Harris, anticipating her rise as the Democratic nominee. Trump’s recent speeches have notably minimized mentions of Biden, indicating a strategic focus on Harris. Democratic strategist Theryn Bond has expressed skepticism about Harris’s chances, citing concerns about the country’s readiness for a Black woman president.
Biden’s call for unity within the party may encourage senior figures to rally behind Harris, aiming to present a united front against Trump in the upcoming election. As the Democratic Party navigates this unexpected shift, the coming months will be crucial in determining their strategy and ultimate success in the 2024 race.