Biden drops out of U.S. presidential race

U.S. President Joe Biden has announced he will not participate in the upcoming November Presidential election.

Biden stated that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Democratic Party and the country.

The 81-year-old made this decision on Sunday, July 21, after facing weeks of scrutiny regarding his fitness to serve following a presidential debate with Republican challenger Donald Trump.

This historic decision marks the end of Biden’s 50-year political career, which culminated in his presidency.

In a letter posted on his X account, he wrote: “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President.”

“It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, 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,” Biden explained.

Reflecting on the challenges faced during his presidency, Biden expressed gratitude to the American people for their resilience and support.

“Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our Democracy. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world,” he said.

Biden expressed his appreciation for Vice President, Kamala Harris, calling her “an extraordinary partner in all this work,”

President Biden highlighted the achievements of his administration over the past three and a half years.

“Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans,”

He also emphasised the progress made in other critical areas, including veterans’ care, gun safety, and climate legislation.

“We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world,”

Biden remains optimistic about the country’s future saying: “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 concluded.

Recent reports indicated that Biden has been increasingly receptive to suggestions that he steps aside as the Democratic nominee.

Democratic leaders such as Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader, Hakeem Jeffries reportedly conveyed to Biden that it would be in the nation’s best interest for him to withdraw from the race.

Former House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi has played a pivotal role in communicating these concerns from House Democrats to the White House.

Pelosi reportedly told to Biden that current polling data suggests he is not positioned to defeat Trump and could jeopardise the Democrats’ prospects of reclaiming the chamber in November.

During discussions with Pelosi and other Democratic colleagues, Biden defended his candidacy, citing polling data that indicated he could still secure victory.

However, recent polling showing him trailing Trump in swing states, including Virginia where he previously held a substantial lead, has intensified calls for him to reconsider his reelection bid.

Adding to the pressure, former President Barack Obama has reportedly advised Biden’s allies to urge him to evaluate the viability of his candidacy seriously.

Obama believes Biden’s electoral prospects have diminished following a contentious debate performance and subsequent polling trends.

Biden’s decision to withdraw also comes amid his recent positive COVID-19 test, necessitating isolation and disrupting campaign plans in Nevada.