President Joe Biden has announced that he is dropping out of the presidential race following increasing pressure from Democrats for him to end his reelection bid. He has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s new nominee.
Democratic Party Turmoil
- Biden struggled to gain the confidence of key party members, who doubted his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in November.
- His decision follows a poor performance at the CNN presidential debate in June.
- This marks the first time in decades that a sitting U.S. president has exited a reelection campaign.
Next Steps for Democrats
- Delegates will now need to choose the party’s nominee.
- This selection will take place either during a virtual roll call tentatively set for early August or on the convention floor in Chicago next month.
Trump’s Reaction
- In a phone call with CNN shortly after Biden’s announcement, Trump called Biden “the worst president by far in the history of our country.”
Implications
- For the Democratic Party:
- Biden’s exit creates uncertainty and potential division within the party.
- Vice President Kamala Harris, as the new nominee, must quickly unify the party and build momentum.
- The upcoming selection process is crucial for party cohesion and strategy going into the general election.
- For the Presidential Race:
- The unexpected shift in the Democratic nominee could alter the dynamics of the race.
- Harris will need to swiftly establish her platform and counter Trump’s campaign strategies.
- Voters will be watching closely to see how the Democratic Party handles this transition and prepares for the November election.