In a surprising turn of events, US President Joe Biden has announced the end of his re-election campaign and endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate for the upcoming presidential election. The 81-year-old president made the announcement on Sunday, citing the best interests of his party and the country.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” Biden said in his statement. “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 focus on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Biden’s decision follows a period of intense scrutiny after his debate performance against Republican nominee Donald Trump on June 27. Concerns about his health and fitness for office had been growing, with notable figures like former President Barack Obama and actor George Clooney expressing doubts about his re-election bid.
Vice-President Kamala Harris, 59, expressed her gratitude for Biden’s endorsement. “I am honored to be endorsed by President Biden,” she said. “Together, we will fight, and together, we will win. We have 107 days until election day, and I am committed to uniting our country against Trump.”
Despite Biden’s endorsement, Harris has yet to be officially nominated, with the Democratic National Convention in August expected to confirm her candidacy. The Democratic Party has already begun to rally around Harris, with endorsements from prominent figures like former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Senate Leader Chuck Schumer, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Meanwhile, Trump has surged ahead in polling and was confirmed as the Republican nominee. Following Biden’s announcement, Trump criticized the president, stating, “Biden was not fit to run, and he is certainly not fit to serve.” Senior Republicans joined in the criticism, calling for Biden to resign immediately.
Within the Democratic Party, potential rivals like California Governor Gavin Newsom and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have shown their support for Harris. The Democratic National Committee has also moved to rebrand its fundraising efforts to support her campaign.
Biden’s statement stated his administration’s achievements, including a robust economy, healthcare reforms, and significant climate legislation. He emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “There is nothing America can’t do when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.”
As the Democratic National Convention approaches, the focus will be on unifying the party behind Harris and preparing for the November election against Trump. With Biden’s endorsement, Harris is positioned to lead the Democratic Party in a crucial and highly anticipated election.
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