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President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race, a decision that injects significant uncertainty into the Democratic nomination process just months before the November election against Donald Trump. This move comes after mounting pressure from Democratic leaders, organizers, and donors who saw no viable path to victory with Biden as the candidate. Concerns about Biden’s age, highlighted by a poor debate performance and uneven public appearances, contributed to the decision.
Vice President Kamala Harris is considered an early favorite due to her high national profile and straightforward legal claim to the campaign’s funds, which totaled $91.6 million at the end of May.
Despite his initial defiance and recent attempts to reinvigorate his campaign, Biden’s withdrawal follows a positive Covid-19 test and a challenging political climate. The Democratic National Convention is set to begin on August 19 in Chicago, where roughly 4,000 delegates will now need to select a new nominee. Vice President Kamala Harris is considered an early favorite due to her high national profile and straightforward legal claim to the campaign’s funds, which totaled $91.6 million at the end of May.
However, other potential candidates such as California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker are also in contention. Whoever is chosen will face the daunting task of rapidly introducing themselves to voters and building a campaign to defeat Trump in a short timeframe.
Biden’s decision underscores his previous indication that he intended to serve only one term, positioning himself as a “bridge” to the next generation of Democratic leaders. His recent praise of Harris, emphasizing her readiness to serve as president, has further positioned her as a leading contender for the nomination.
[With information from The Guardian]
