In a historic turn of events, President Joe Biden has announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. The announcement came amidst mounting pressures and concerns regarding his health, fundraising struggles, and recent debate performance.
Biden's decision was influenced by several factors, including internal Democratic polling that indicated he could not recover from the disastrous first presidential debate against former President Donald Trump on June 27, 2024. During the debate, Biden struggled to fact-check Trump and appeared unsteady, raising concerns about his ability to inspire voters and secure a second term.
The real question is how long has Joe Biden been dead? pic.twitter.com/UWtpWQMLEu
— Stew Peters (@realstewpeters) July 22, 2024
The president's campaign had been dealing with declining fundraising efforts and increasing doubts among Democratic leaders about his viability as a candidate. Reports suggested that key figures within the party, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, were urging Biden to step aside to prevent a potential landslide defeat to Trump, which could also jeopardize down-ballot races for the Democratic Party.
Biden's exit leaves a significant void in the Democratic field, with Vice President Kamala Harris emerging as a likely successor. Harris, who has already started campaigning more actively, is expected to rally the party and make the case for the Biden administration's accomplishments. However, the process of selecting a new candidate before the Democratic National Convention remains unclear, as no major party has replaced a candidate in such a manner before.
Joe Biden was reportedly last seen in public on July 17.
That's when he was "diagnosed with Covid" and was told to self-isolate in Delaware for a week.
It was also days after the Trump shooting.
America demands to know: WHERE IS JOE? pic.twitter.com/Ax4HYaNcm3
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) July 22, 2024
Despite his public defiance and insistence on continuing the race, Biden's departure seemed inevitable after a series of setbacks, including a COVID-19 diagnosis that sidelined him from key campaign events. The president's health and age have been under scrutiny, further complicating his campaign efforts.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) faces the challenge of navigating uncharted territory as it seeks to unify the party behind a new candidate. The DNC's rules stipulate that delegates pledged to Biden must continue to support him unless he voluntarily steps down, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
As the Democratic Party scrambles to regroup, the impact of Biden's exit on the 2024 election remains to be seen. The decision underscores the volatile nature of American politics and the challenges facing the Democratic Party as it prepares to face a resurgent Republican opponent in Donald Trump.
Biden's withdrawal marks a significant moment in U.S. political history, highlighting the unpredictability of electoral dynamics and the critical importance of candidate viability. The coming months will be crucial for the Democratic Party as it seeks to present a united front and retain its hold on the White House.
