President Joe Biden announced that he had dropped out of the presidential race in elections set to held in November 2024. His decision comes after months of speculations on his age and suitability to serve for additional four years, as well as an array of embarrassing blunders and a dismal debate performance.
The US president declared he will not be running for a second term, a move that takes the race into uncharted terrain.
As he withdrew, he threw his support behind Kamala Harris and urged Democrats to contribute to her campaign.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
In a letter addressed to his fellow American, Biden said it had been the “greatest honor of his life to serve as their president”.
“While it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest 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,” he said.
“Democrats-it’s time to come together and beat Trump,” he said, alluding to his Republican rival, while endorsing Ms. Harris as the Democratic nominee.
In an announcement posted on his X, Mr. Biden said he would address the country later this week to delve into “detail” about his choice.
“For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me re-elected,” he said.
“I want to thank vice president Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.
“I believe today what I always have that there is nothing America can’t do when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America,” he stated.
First Lady Jill Biden responded to her husband’s statements on X by tweeting with a love emoji, demonstrating her unwavering devotion to him.
Barack Obama, Biden’s predecessor, both in office and party leadership, also shared his remarks about the decision.
“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,” Obama said.
He described Biden as empathetic, resilient, resilient adding that he believed that everyone counts.
“For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times — and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on,” he said.
Read also: US President Joe Biden Trips And Falls During Graduation Ceremony(Video)