On Sunday, President Joe Biden announced that he will not seek reelection in the 2024 US presidential race. This surprising decision has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of the country. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic candidate for president.
Reasons Behind Biden’s Decision
Poor Debate Performance
Biden’s decision to drop out came after a poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump. The debate, held on June 27, did not go well for Biden. He blamed his performance on jet lag and international travel, but it led to increasing pressure from his own party to withdraw.
Pressure from Democratic Party
Many Democratic lawmakers were worried about Biden’s ability to complete another term as president. Following the debate, more than 36 congressional Democrats publicly called for Biden to drop out, citing concerns over his mental sharpness. They feared that Biden’s continued campaign could not only cost them the White House but also control of Congress.
The Hours Leading Up to the Announcement
Initial Calls and Meetings
The first person Biden called to inform about his decision was Vice President Kamala Harris. According to The Washington Post, Biden also met with White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and his campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon.
Staff Briefing
Zients organized a meeting with Biden’s campaign staff and White House staff at 1:45 PM on Sunday to brief them on the president’s decision. By 2:30 PM, Zients formally announced Biden’s decision to the entire White House staff.
Weekend Discussions
Biden’s decision was made over the weekend after several meetings with key advisors. These advisors included White House counselor Steve Ricchetti, senior campaign adviser Mike Donilon, deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini, and senior adviser to the first lady, Anthony Bernal. All of them were at the president’s vacation house during these discussions.
Biden’s Change of Heart
Sources told Reuters that up until Saturday night, Biden had no intention of dropping out. However, after multiple meetings with his top advisors on Sunday afternoon, he had a last-minute change of heart and decided to withdraw from the race.
Biden’s unexpected decision to step down and endorse Kamala Harris has dramatically altered the political scene. The coming days will reveal how this change impacts the Democratic Party and the overall 2024 presidential race.
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