Biden Ends Re-election Bid Amid Growing Doubts
US President Joe Biden has decided to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, citing the best interests of his party and the country. This announcement came after weeks of mounting pressure and doubts about his ability to continue. Biden made the announcement through a letter posted on his social media account, emphasizing his commitment to the Democratic Party and thanking Vice President Kamala Harris for her support, though he stopped short of endorsing her as his successor.
Debate Performance Raises Concerns
The calls for Biden to step down grew louder following a televised debate with Donald Trump on June 27th. During the debate, Biden appeared physically and cognitively exhausted, struggling to counter Trump’s claims and often giving rambling answers. Despite attempts by his team to attribute his performance to a cold, Biden’s subsequent public appearances did little to reassure voters or his party, with many noticing his frequent displays of fatigue.
High-Profile Gaffes and Increasing Pressure
Biden’s struggles continued in public appearances, including a notable gaffe at a NATO summit where he mistakenly referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “President Putin” and Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump.” Such incidents fueled further doubts about his capacity to serve another term. Prominent Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and major donor George Clooney, began to express their concerns more openly, with Clooney notably stating that Biden could not win the fight against time.
Health Issues and Media Scrutiny
The situation worsened when Biden contracted COVID-19 during the Republican convention, forcing him to isolate. A pre-recorded interview aired during this period showed Biden struggling to recall key figures’ names, exacerbating concerns about his health and cognitive abilities. Despite these issues, the Democratic Party was preparing to secure his nomination through a virtual roll call vote, but Biden’s announcement of his withdrawal preempted these plans.
Uncertain Future for the Democratic Nominee
With Biden stepping down, the Democratic Party faces uncertainty about its next nominee. While Vice President Kamala Harris is the most likely candidate, with increasing public appearances and improved polling numbers, other notable Democrats like California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer are also potential contenders. The party must now navigate this transition carefully to avoid further internal conflict as they prepare for the upcoming election against Donald Trump.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Bloomberg
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