Joe Biden Drops Out Of US Presidential Race, Endorses Kamala Harris: What Next?

US President Joe Biden posted a statement on social media on July 21, announcing that he is dropping out of the Presidential race, just days before the Democratic Party's nominating convention. The 81-year-old leader is now endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the candidate for the November 2024 election. He wrote on X (Twitter), “I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be our party's nominee this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

Joe Biden Withdraws From Reelection Bid

The Democratic Party had been facing demands to replace Joe Biden for the election citing the veteran leader's age and health concerns. This pressure grew multifold after his poor performance in the Presidential debate in June 2024, which some voters even called "disastrous."

Even Biden's supporters highlighted concerns that Biden’s standing in the polls had dipped against Trump following the debate. Despite this, the incumbent President remained confident in his victory for a long time, citing his "exceptional" performance during the last term. 

pic.twitter.com/RMIRvlSOYw

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024

However, as party leaders and senators rejected Biden's candidacy, he was left with no choice but to step down on July 21, entrusting the bid to Kamala Harris. According to a CNN poll earlier in July, Democrats saw the incumbent  Vice President as the leading choice to represent them in the elections.

As per the CNN opinion poll conducted by Social Science Research Solutions (SSRS), 45% of voters support Harris and 47% support Donald Trump, while Biden was trailing by six points below the former President. CNN stated, “Harris’ slightly stronger showing against Trump rests at least in part on broader support from women (50% of female voters back Harris over Trump vs. 44% for Biden against Trump) and independents (43% Harris vs. 34% Biden)." 

Joe Biden said that he would complete his current term, which ends in January. According to reports, his withdrawal from the race came as a surprise even to the White House officials and his campaign aides. The campaign blasted out a fundraising email for “Joe and Kamala” minutes after the announcement.

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

On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country.

I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 21, 2024