IRIA News

In a historic and unexpected move, President Joe Biden has announced the end of his re-election campaign, endorsing Vice-President Kamala Harris to succeed him as the Democratic candidate. The 81-year-old President stated that serving as President has been the “greatest honor” but stepping down was “in the best interest of my party and the country.”

The announcement follows a turbulent period in U.S. politics, notably marked by Biden’s erratic debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 27. Biden assured the nation that he will fulfill his duties as President until January.

Vice-President Harris, 59, expressed her gratitude for Biden’s endorsement, committing to “earn and win this nomination” and pledging to unite the country against Trump. “We have 107 days until election day,” Harris stated. “Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”

While Harris has garnered endorsements from numerous prominent Democrats, her official nomination is pending and may not occur until the Democratic National Convention in August.

On the Republican front, Donald Trump has surged ahead in the polls and was confirmed as the party’s nominee during their convention in Milwaukee this week. This comes just five days after surviving an assassination attempt. In response to Biden’s announcement, Trump declared that the President “was not fit to run… and is certainly not fit to serve.” Senior Republicans echoed this sentiment, urging Biden to vacate the White House immediately.

pic.twitter.com/RMIRvlSOYw

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024

Intense scrutiny

Biden had faced intense scrutiny since his debate performance last month. Less than two weeks ago, he hosted a high-profile summit with NATO leaders in Washington. The occasion did little to calm nerves within his party, with him mistakenly introducing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “President Putin” and appearing to refer to Harris as “Vice President Trump.”

At one point, he told an interviewer that only the “Lord Almighty” could make him withdraw, but later said he would consider doing so if he had a health condition. Earlier this week, while in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, he said he would return to the campaign trail in the coming week.

In his statement on July 21, Biden thanked Harris, saying she was an “extraordinary partner.” He added, “And let me express my heartfelt appreciation for the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me. I believe today and 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.”

Reactions within party

Reports indicate that even senior White House staff and campaign officials were informed of Biden’s decision just moments before the public announcement. However, Biden had previously discussed his decision with Harris and a select few others.

Prominent Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, Senate leader Chuck Schumer, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, swiftly praised Biden’s decision and celebrated his achievements in office.

Former President Bill Clinton and 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton also endorsed Harris, pledging to “fight with everything we’ve got to elect her.”

Although Obama expressed “extraordinary confidence” that an “outstanding nominee emerges,” he did not specifically endorse Harris or any other candidate. Pelosi has yet to comment on the development.

My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best… pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024

Peter Welch, the first Democratic senator to call for Biden to end his re-election bid, emphasized the need for an “open process” to nominate Harris. Nonetheless, many in the party seem poised to rally behind Harris, including high-profile figures who were considered potential contenders for the nomination if Biden stepped aside.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is speculated to have presidential aspirations, commended Biden as “selfless” and endorsed the “fearless” and “tenacious” Harris. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro pledged to do “everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States.”

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a former presidential candidate, lauded Biden as “one of the most consequential presidents in American history” and committed to helping elect Harris. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer echoed this sentiment, stating her focus remains on “doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump.”

The Democratic National Committee has moved swiftly, amending the names of its fundraising committees to the Harris Victory Fund and Harris Action Fund. Major Democratic donors, including LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and investor Alexander Soros, have publicly endorsed Harris.

In a rapid response to Biden’s announcement, the pro-Trump super-PAC Make America Great Again released an advertisement targeting Harris, alleging she “covered up Joe’s obvious mental decline.” Trump added, “Whoever the Left puts up now will just be more of the same.”

As the Democratic Party coalesces around Harris, the stage is set for an intense and historic election battle against a resurgent Trump. With just over 100 days until election day, the political landscape has been dramatically reshaped, leaving the nation poised for a fiercely contested presidential race.

Global leaders react

World leaders are reacting to President Joe Biden’s announcement highlighting their relationships with the U.S. President and reflecting on his decision. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency.” He noted that Biden’s decision was made with the American people’s best interests in mind.

Polish President Donald Tusk expressed gratitude for Biden’s leadership, saying, “Many difficult decisions by Mr. Biden helped keep Poland, America, and the world safe and democracy stronger.” He acknowledged the gravity of Biden’s choice, calling it “probably the most difficult one in your life.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog thanked Biden “for his friendship and steadfast support for the Israeli people.” He emphasized Biden’s significant role as the first U.S. President to visit Israel in wartime and as a recipient of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, underscoring the strong bond between the two nations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Biden’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom, noting that Biden’s bold decisions will be remembered. He acknowledged the current challenging situation in Ukraine and Europe, hoping for continued American leadership to prevent Russian aggression.

European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the EU and U.S. partnership, highlighting common challenges they face together in Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov downplayed the significance of the U.S. presidential race, stating that Russia’s military objectives in Ukraine were more critical. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev wished Biden good health but affirmed that Russia’s military goals would be achieved.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged Biden’s role in strengthening transatlantic cooperation, NATO, and the U.S. as a reliable partner. He respected Biden’s decision not to seek re-election.

As Biden prepares to step down, these global reactions highlight his influence on international relations and the significant legacy he leaves behind.