By Ashlee Banks
Special to the AFRO
In an unexpected turn of events, President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race.
On July 21, Biden took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share a message with the nation.
“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 my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” said Biden. “Let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected.”
Following the president’s announcement, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) praised Biden for his achievements over the last four years.
“President Joe Biden is one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history,” said Jeffries. “America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity.”
U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo (D-R.I.) said Biden is the epitome of a good leader who has “achieved historic progress for the American people.”
“ selflessly defended democracy and fought for the soul of our nation,” said Amo. “I will always be proud to have worked in President Biden’s White House.”
Shortly after Biden made his decision to leave the presidential race, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
“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 decision I’ve made,” wrote Biden. “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.”
If Harris does become the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, this will put her on track to become the nation’s first Black-South Asian female president.
Biden’s withdrawal comes weeks after more than a dozen Democratic lawmakers have asked the president to step aside following his shaky debate performance on June 27 against former President Donald Trump.
Last week, top Congressional Democratic leaders, including Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) each had private meetings with Biden and encouraged him to step aside.
Trump, who has expressed a preference for running against Biden, nonetheless reacted to the news with seeming relish, saying in a post on his Truth Social site that Biden “was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve.”
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas-30) blamed her colleagues for pushing Biden out of the race.
“Well, I hope the geniuses that pushed the most consequential President of our lifetime out, have a plan,” said Crockett. “Joe wasn’t the problem…dems were.”
The Texas lawmaker stated that she will “only work for” Harris if she becomes the Democratic presidential nominee.
“If it’s anyone OTHER than her, enjoy campaign season…I hope all of my disenchanted colleagues are able to find some walking shoes and get to work because I WILL NOT,” added Crockett.
U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) stated that he fully supports the vice president.
“Kamala Harris is the most qualified and best choice to lead us forward,” said Bowman
Biden announced that he will address the nation later this week to discuss his decision to withdraw from the presidential race.
Biden plans to serve out the remainder of his term in office, which ends at noon ET on Jan. 20, 2025.
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