Joe Biden Withdraws from Presidential Race, Endorses Kamala Harris

 President Biden Bows Out, Endorses Kamala Harris for Democratic Nominee

President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the presidential race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket. This unexpected decision comes just months before the November election against Donald Trump, whom Biden has called an existential threat to US democracy. Biden expressed his intention to focus on his presidential duties for the remainder of his term.

Kamala Harris Thanks Biden and Pledges Unity

In a statement, Harris thanked Biden for his leadership and expressed her intention to earn and win the Democratic nomination. She pledged to unite the party and the nation to defeat Trump and his "extreme Project 2025 agenda."

Democratic Leaders Rally Around Harris

Following Biden’s announcement, several prominent Democrats endorsed Harris, including California Governor Gavin Newsom. Democratic leaders and donors had pressured Biden to step aside, seeing no path to victory with him on the ticket. An ABC News/Ipsos poll showed 60% of Democrats believed Biden should end his run, and 76% would be satisfied with Harris as the nominee.

Trump's Reaction and Campaign Strategy

Trump immediately criticized Biden's decision, claiming Biden was never fit to serve as president. Trump's campaign has prepared for Harris’s candidacy, focusing on immigration and economic issues to appeal to swing voters. Trump believes Harris will be easier to defeat than Biden.

Democratic Party Faces Uncertainty and Rapid Fundraising Surge

The Democratic National Committee plans a transparent process to select a candidate to defeat Trump. ActBlue reported raising $27.5 million from small-dollar donors for Harris’s campaign within five hours of Biden’s announcement. Prominent Democrats praised Biden's decision, with Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi lauding his legacy and patriotism.

Republican Pushback and Legal Challenges

Republicans have cast Biden's decision as undemocratic and have called for his resignation. House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested potential legal challenges, though experts are skeptical of their success. Despite these challenges, Biden's withdrawal marks a dramatic shift in an already tumultuous election season.

Next Steps for Democrats

With the Democratic National Convention approaching, Harris must solidify her support and select a running mate to face Trump and his running mate, JD Vance. Harris's national profile and fundraising capabilities make her a strong contender, but the party faces a tight timeline to finalize its ticket.