Biden Withdraws from 2024 Race, Endorses Kamala Harris

AFP/APP

Washington: US President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that he will withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, stating in a historic Oval Office address that it is time to pass the torch to “younger voices.”

“I revere this office. But I love my country more,” the 81-year-old President said in a somber, prime-time address. 

He urged Americans to embrace democracy and reject hatred. “The defense of democracy, which is at stake, is more important than any title,” Biden added. “I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation.”

In his first televised address since making this surprising decision, Biden expressed support for his Vice President, Kamala Harris, 59, who is poised to become the Democratic presidential nominee. “She’s experienced. She’s tough. She’s capable,” Biden stated in what is likely his final address from the Resolute Desk.

Biden’s decision to step down came later than any previous president in US history, following weeks of pressure from Democrats after a lackluster debate performance against Donald Trump raised concerns about his age. Speaking with a weakened voice after a recent Covid infection, Biden emphasized his achievements while acknowledging it was time for new leadership.

“There is a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices — yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now,” he said.

‘Never Wavered’

In a touching moment, Biden’s family, including his wife Jill, daughter Ashley, troubled son Hunter, and several grandchildren, were present in the Oval Office as he spoke. Jill Biden later expressed gratitude in a letter posted on social media, thanking those who “never wavered” — an apparent reference to Democrats who pressured Biden to withdraw — and expressed support for Kamala Harris.

Biden’s withdrawal has disrupted Trump’s campaign, which had previously concentrated on the President’s age and mental acuity. With Biden out of the race, Trump, 78, becomes the oldest candidate in US history.

Trump, who had initially called for unity following a recent assassination attempt on July 13, was not conciliatory after Biden’s announcement. “Crooked Joe Biden’s Oval Office speech was barely understandable and sooo bad!” Trump said on social media.

Republicans have argued that if Biden is not fit to seek reelection, he is not fit to serve as president. Despite this, Biden insisted that he remains an active leader and will focus on economic and foreign policy issues for the remainder of his term.

‘Lunatic’

One of Biden’s key goals is to broker a peace deal in the Middle East, a longstanding ambition for US presidents. Biden, increasingly critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday. However, Netanyahu will also meet separately with Kamala Harris that day and with Trump in Florida on Friday.

As the US election campaign progresses without Biden, Trump criticized Harris as his “new victim,” labeling her a “radical left lunatic” who would “destroy our country” and accusing her of concealing Biden’s “mental unfitness.”

Meanwhile, Harris is actively campaigning, addressing a Black college sorority in Indianapolis, where she vowed to “fight for our nation’s future.”