Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is withdrawing his candidacy for a second term in office. Vice President Kamala Harris promptly declared her readiness to step in and “defeat” former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election on November 5, as the Democratic campaign enters uncharted waters.
After weeks of uncertainty and mounting pressure concerning his cognitive abilities, the 81-year-old President finally made the decision to abandon his campaign at a very advanced stage, with less than a month remaining until the Democratic convention. The convention will nominate the party’s candidate for the presidency.
“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 focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden stated. He expressed his full support for Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate, adding, “Today I want to express my full support and approval for Kamala to become our party’s candidate this year.”
Biden made the announcement from his country house in Rehoboth Beach, where he remains in isolation after exhibiting COVID symptoms.
The unexpected announcement, despite Biden’s previous denials, brings a new twist to an election campaign already marked by several dramatic events, including the attempted assassination of Donald Trump on July 13.
Kamala Harris, the first African-American woman to serve as vice president, assured the public that she is ready to run for and “secure the Democratic nomination” to “beat Donald Trump.”
Source: ANA-MPA / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
