President Biden Withdraws from Presidential Race
Updated: 11:25 AM PT, July 21, 2024
President Biden announced Sunday that he will step aside as the Democratic presidential nominee, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement.
Immediate Reaction
Biden's decision comes as a surprise, as he has consistently stated that he intended to run for re-election. However, the president reportedly told several of his advisers that he had come to the decision on Sunday.
Endorsement of Harris
In his withdrawal statement, Biden praised Harris for her work on abortion rights and her performance as Vice President. He expressed confidence in her ability to lead the country.
Calls for Resignation
Prior to Biden's announcement, some members of the Republican Party had called for his resignation, citing his age and declining approval ratings. However, a longtime friend of Biden's, who is also stepping down at the end of this term, did not join these calls.
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