Biden Withdraws from Re-election Bid Amid Pressure from Democrats

By Caroline Ameh
In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Joe Biden has announced his decision to end his candidacy for re-election. In a statement released on social media, Biden stated, “it is in the best interest of my party and the country.”

The announcement comes just four months before Americans head to the polls, dramatically altering the landscape of the race for the White House. Biden’s decision follows weeks of mounting pressure from fellow Democrats, particularly after a less-than-stellar debate performance against Republican contender Donald Trump at the end of June.

In his heartfelt letter, Biden expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve as president. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as president,” he wrote. He went on to explain that while he had intended to seek re-election, he believed stepping down was the best course of action for his party and the nation. “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 the duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

Biden also announced that he would address the nation on this matter next week.

In his statement, Biden extended his thanks to Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her an “extraordinary partner.” He also expressed profound appreciation for the American people. “And let me express my heartfelt appreciation for the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me,” he said. “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.”

The president’s decision comes shortly after his return to Delaware following a Covid diagnosis. Despite the health setback, Biden had indicated his eagerness to resume campaigning, stating last Friday that he looked forward to “getting back on the campaign trail next week.”

Biden’s previous remarks suggested only a divine intervention could prompt his withdrawal, but he later conceded that a health condition might lead him to reconsider his candidacy.