As was widely anticipated, U.S. President Joe Biden has stepped down from the 2024 Presidential election. This follows weeks of supporters turning their backs on him amid his dismal debate performance against former President and Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Biden has thrown his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
“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,” Biden said. “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. 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.”
Democrats have been concerned about Biden’s viability as a candidate following his recent debate performance. During the debate, he seemed old and out of touch, losing his train of thought and misspeaking several times.
The assassination attempt on President Trump last weekend has pushed some undecided voters to the former President, recent polls have shown. This has made matters worse for Democrats, who risk losing the White House and seats in Congress.
President Trump responded to the news on his Truth Social Media, saying Biden was not fit to run the country.
“Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve – And never was! He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement,” Trump said. “All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn’t capable of being President, and he wasn’t – And now, look what he’s done to our Country, with millions of people coming across our Border, totally unchecked and unvetted, many from prisons, mental institutions, and record numbers of terrorists. We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”