WASHINGTON – Following weeks of pressure for him to step down over his age and perceived ill-health, US President Joe Biden, has announced that he is ending his bid for re-election, saying “it is in the best interest of my party and the country”.
Four months before Americans vote in elections in November, fellow Democrats reacted to a disastrous debate performance against Republican Donald Trump by asking Biden to make way for a younger more energetic candidate.
After initially putting up a fight, the writing was on the wall for Biden when powerful allies like former President Barack Obama joined the chorus of those asking him step aside.
On Sunday Biden buckled under pressure and issued a statement giving his endorsement in the presidential race to Vice President Kamala Harris.
“And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, 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,” he wrote in his statement.
President Biden thanked his Vice President Kamala Harris, saying she was an “extraordinary partner”.
“And let me express my heartfelt appreciation for the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me,” his statement added.
“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.”
Biden says he will address the American people on the matter next week.
After being diagnosed with Covid-19 last week he returned to his home in Delaware and as of Friday was insisting he was looking forward to “getting back on the campaign trail next week”.
Previously Biden had said only the “Lord Almighty” could make him withdraw, but then later recoiled saying he would consider withdrawing if he had a health condition.
Below is Joe Biden’s full statement pulling out of the race for the White House, which he posted on X:
“My Fellow Americans, over the past three-and-a-half years, we have made great progress as a nation. Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans.
“We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.
“I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our democracy. And we’ve revitalised and strengthened our alliances around the world.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, 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 my duties as President for the remainder of my term.
“I will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about my decision. For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me re-elected.
“I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.
“I believe today what I 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.”
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