The shock decision leaves the Democratic nomination wide open just four months before the November election
Joe Biden has withdrawn from the race for the US presidency, an extraordinary decision upending American politics, that plunges the Democratic nomination into uncertainty just months before the November election against Donald Trump, a candidate he has warned is an existential threat to US democracy.
It’s certainly an extraordinary event, but, it’s not a shock. What is shocking to me is how long this man held office in his obviously diminished capacity.
“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 focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term,” Biden said in a letter announcing his decision.
Biden thanked the vice-president, Kamala Harris, in his letter, and later endorsed her as the Democratic nominee for president in a tweet. He said he planned to speak to the nation in more detail later this week.
“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 decision I’ve made,” he said. “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats – it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
His endorsement may or many not result in Kamala being the nominee? Perhaps Hillary can still swoop in on her broomstick?