What's happened
US President Joe Biden has announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race following a poor debate performance and mounting pressure from Democratic allies. Biden, who plans to serve out his term until January 2025, cited the best interests of his party and country as reasons for his decision. This move leaves the Democratic Party in an unprecedented situation with only a month until the Democratic National Convention and less than four months until the November election.
Why it matters
Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race is a significant development in US politics, impacting the Democratic Party's strategy and the overall election landscape. His decision to step down could lead to a shift in voter dynamics and campaign strategies, particularly as Vice President Kamala Harris emerges as a potential candidate. This event underscores the importance of leadership stability and the challenges of addressing concerns about age and fitness for office. The outcome of this decision will likely influence the direction of US policies and international relations, given the high stakes of the upcoming election.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reported Biden's decision to withdraw, highlighting his poor debate performance and subsequent pressure from Democratic allies. Al Jazeera emphasized the uncertainty this move brings to the already high-stakes election, noting Biden's support for Kamala Harris. The Scotsman echoed these points, adding that Biden plans to address the nation later this week. Business Insider and the Washington Post focused on Rep. Adam Schiff's call for Biden to step down, with Schiff expressing concerns about Biden's ability to defeat Trump. The Independent provided context on the broader Democratic concerns, including opinions from prominent figures like Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi.
How we got here
President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race follows a series of events that raised concerns about his ability to serve another term. His performance in the June 27 debate with Donald Trump was widely criticized, leading to increased pressure from within his party. Prominent Democrats, including Rep. Adam Schiff and former President Barack Obama, expressed doubts about Biden's fitness for office. This culminated in Biden's announcement on July 21, 2024, that he would not seek re-election, choosing instead to focus on fulfilling his duties for the remainder of his term.
Common question
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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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Adam Bennett Schiff is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 28th congressional district since 2001. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.