President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he would not be seeking reelection in 2024, instead endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
In a statement posted on X, Biden explained, 'While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.'
The decision comes after reports of pressure from within the Democratic Party following Biden's lackluster performance in debates against Republican rival Donald Trump.— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
Trump responded to the news with scathing criticism, declaring Biden the worst president in US history.
Harris, known for her controversial past as attorney general in California and her hawkish foreign policy stances, is expected to present a strong challenge to Trump in the 2024 election.
The Democratic Party convention in August will be a key moment in her campaign.
Critics have raised concerns about Harris' support for military action abroad, her record on criminal justice issues, and her previous positions on topics like the Iran nuclear deal and US presence in Syria.
With Biden out of the race, all eyes are now on Harris as she prepares to take on Trump in the upcoming election.My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term.
My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President.
And it’s been the best… pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024