In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he will suspend his 2024 re-election campaign. This decision comes amid increasing pressure from within the Democratic Party following a less-than-stellar debate performance last month. The announcement marks an unprecedented moment in U.S. political history as it is rare for a sitting president to drop out of a re-election race.

The move followed mounting calls from Democrat lawmakers who expressed doubts about Biden’s ability to win against the GOP nominee, former President Donald Trump, in the upcoming election. The president, who is 81, has faced growing scrutiny and concerns over his age and health, which were exacerbated by his recent public appearances and debate performance.

Biden, in his public letter, emphasized his commitment to serving the nation: “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president. While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interests of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.” He also expressed his full support and endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.

Democratic Party’s Reaction

Biden’s announcement was met with widespread praise from top Democrats who lauded his decision as selfless and in the best interest of the nation. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer described Biden as “a truly amazing human being” and commended his leadership and dedication. California Governor Gavin Newsom also praised Biden, calling him one of the most impactful and selfless presidents in history.

In contrast, former President Trump reacted negatively to the news, stating on his Truth Social platform that Biden was never fit to run or serve as president. Trump’s campaign quickly capitalized on the announcement, launching fundraising efforts within minutes of Biden’s decision.

The president’s decision to back Kamala Harris is expected to discourage any significant challenges within the Democratic Party, potentially paving the way for Harris to secure the nomination. Biden’s endorsement of Harris underscores his belief in her capability and leadership.

Biden’s Health and Debate Performance

President Joe Biden waves as he walks down the steps of Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Biden is returning to his home in Rehoboth Beach, Del., to self-isolate after testing positive for COVID-19.

Biden’s withdrawal comes on the heels of his COVID-19 diagnosis, which added to concerns about his health. Despite his efforts to reassure supporters through TV interviews and campaign appearances, his performance failed to mitigate doubts about his capacity to lead.

Biden’s recent missteps, including a notable gaffe at the NATO summit where he mistakenly referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Russian President Vladimir Putin, further fueled speculation about his readiness to continue in office. These errors contributed to a growing chorus of voices within the Democratic Party urging him to step aside.

Shifting Political Landscape

The political landscape saw rapid developments with two significant events briefly diverting attention from Biden’s campaign. The attempted assassination of Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania and the announcement of Sen. JD Vance as Trump’s running mate temporarily shifted the spotlight.

However, the calls for Biden to end his campaign intensified after Rep. Adam Schiff publicly urged the president to withdraw. Reports of high-level discussions among top Democrats, including Schumer, Jeffries, and Pelosi, further underscored the urgency of the situation.

Biden’s decision to step down during this tumultuous period marks the end of a more than year-long campaign for a second term. His departure from the race highlights the internal struggles and strategic calculations within the Democratic Party as they prepare for the upcoming election.