What's happened
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed respect for President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Starmer emphasized the importance of the US-UK relationship and pledged to work with Biden for the remainder of his term.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Starmer praised Biden's 'remarkable career' and expressed his intention to collaborate during the remainder of Biden's presidency. The Guardian highlighted Starmer's respect for Biden's decision, noting the pressure he faced regarding his mental acuity and ability to compete against Trump. Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak, former UK Prime Minister, commended Biden's dedication to service, emphasizing the achievements made during their partnership, including military agreements and support for Israel. This sentiment was echoed by other political leaders, showcasing a unified respect for Biden's leadership despite the challenges he faced.
How we got here
Biden's withdrawal follows weeks of pressure from Democratic insiders amid concerns over his viability against Donald Trump. His endorsement of Kamala Harris marks a significant shift in the Democratic landscape as the 2024 election approaches.
Common question
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Kamala Devi Harris is an American attorney and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017.