Washington, DC (7/21/2024) – In a stunning turn of events, President Joe Biden announced today that he will not seek re-election in the 2024 presidential race. Instead, he has thrown his full support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsing her as the Democratic candidate for the nation’s highest office. This announcement comes as a surprise to many and has the potential to significantly reshape the political landscape leading up to the 2024 election.
In a heartfelt letter to the American public, President Biden outlined his reasons for stepping down and expressed his confidence in Vice President Harris’s ability to lead the country. Below is the full text of President Biden’s letter:
A Letter to the American People
My fellow Americans,
After much reflection and discussions with my family, I have decided that I will not be seeking re-election in the 2024 presidential race. This was not an easy decision to make, but I believe it is the right one for our country and for our future.
Over the past few years, we have faced unprecedented challenges together. From the global pandemic to economic upheaval, from deep-seated social injustices to the growing threats of climate change, we have navigated through turbulent waters. Throughout it all, I have been incredibly proud of the resilience and strength shown by the American people.
When I took office, my goal was to restore the soul of our nation, rebuild the backbone of America—the middle class—and unite our country. We have made significant progress, but there is still much work to be done. I believe that the best way to continue this work is by supporting a new generation of leadership.
I am proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate for President. Kamala has been a steadfast partner and an exemplary leader. She has shown unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and opportunity for all. Her experience, intelligence, and compassion make her uniquely qualified to lead our nation forward.
Kamala understands the struggles and aspirations of everyday Americans. She has fought tirelessly for workers' rights, healthcare access, and criminal justice reform. She has been a strong advocate for addressing climate change and ensuring our national security. I have no doubt that she will continue to champion these causes and more as President.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you for your support and trust in me. Serving as your President has been the honor of my lifetime. I will continue to work on behalf of the American people in any way I can. I ask you to join me in supporting Kamala Harris as we work together to build a brighter future for our nation.
Thank you, and may God bless America.
Sincerely,
Joe Biden
Reactions to the Announcement
The political world is abuzz with reactions to President Biden’s announcement. Democrats and Republicans alike are assessing the implications of this unexpected development. Many Democratic leaders have praised Biden’s decision and expressed their support for Harris.
“President Biden’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating some of the most challenging times in our history,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “I commend his decision and fully support Kamala Harris’s candidacy. She will be a formidable leader for our country.”
On the other hand, Republicans have already begun to strategize their response to the new Democratic front-runner. GOP leaders are preparing for what promises to be a highly competitive and closely watched election.
Kamala Harris’s Response
Vice President Harris responded to President Biden’s endorsement with a message of gratitude and a call to action. “I am honored and humbled by President Biden’s endorsement and trust,” Harris said. “I am ready to build on the progress we have made and tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Together, we can create a future where every American has the opportunity to succeed.”
As the 2024 election campaign ramps up, all eyes will be on Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party as they rally behind their new candidate. The political landscape is poised for significant shifts, and the nation waits to see how this dramatic development will unfold.
