Joe Biden has announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 US Presidential race, citing the best interests of his party and the nation. This move follows mounting pressure from within his own party, particularly after a challenging debate performance against former President Donald Trump in June.
President Biden, who has been recovering from COVID-19 at his Delaware home, has faced increasing scrutiny regarding his age and mental sharpness. His performance in a debate against Trump reportedly intensified concerns among Democrats about his viability in the upcoming elections.
In his statement, Biden emphasized, “It is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down.” This declaration has stirred significant discussions about the influence of internal party dynamics on his decision.
According to Reuters, a notable fraction of Democrats in Congress—32 out of 264—had publicly urged Biden to exit the race. This public dissent was accompanied by behind-the-scenes pressure from senior party leaders who were reportedly concerned about the implications of his candidacy on the party’s future, as per sources quoted in the Reuters report.
Representative Zoe Lofgren, a prominent Democrat and ally of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was among those vocal in their calls for Biden’s withdrawal. Lofgren warned that Biden’s candidacy could jeopardize the party’s chances in the November 5 election, potentially