President Joe Biden’s campaign confirmed Biden would not run for reelection this year after weeks of speculation, opposition, and leaked discussions among leadership of the Democratic Party. The statement was released by the @JoeBiden account on X, and immediately stirred a flurry of controversy (Photo Credit: Reuters).
Several Democratic leaders had already called on President Biden to resign, including New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich, Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, New Mexico Rep. Gabe Vasquez, Kentucky Rep. Morgan McGarvey, and others.
These calls picked up after President Biden’s first presidential debate with former President Trump during this election cycle, as many leaders and donors regarded Biden’s performance as poor enough to have doubts about his ability to win the election.
President Biden gave his endorsement to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Bill and Hillary Clinton also endorsed the Vice President.
It remains to be seen whether the Democratic Party will rally around her or decide to pick an entirely new ticket.
Ultimately, the replacement candidate will be decided at the Democratic National Convention, which begins in Chicago on Aug. 19 and lasts until Aug. 22.
It is possible that the DNC may pick a candidate perceived as more moderate, mirroring the leftward shift of the GOP, or a more popular candidate that would be able to turn out their base.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Transportation Secretary and former mayor of South Bend Pete Buttigieg, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and others have all been cited as potential replacement nominees if Vice President Harris were snubbed by the DNC for the nomination.
Some accounts called the decision “rigged,” since it would involve bypassing the Democratic primary election system.
GOP leadership, including vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance, had argued that if President Biden chose not to seek reelection because of his age, that he should resign the presidency as well.
Other Republicans, like Rep. Nancy Mace, also argued that he should resign.
In his statement, President Biden said he would “speak to the Nation later this week,” to discuss more detail about his decision, which may include his reasoning for not seeking reelection.
He has previously stated that if he were diagnosed with a medical condition, he would step down, and last week, he was diagnosed with COVID-19.