In a televised address on Wednesday night, President President Biden explained his decision to withdraw from the upcoming November 5 election, a move that has shocked the political landscape in the United States.
Biden, who served as Vice President under Barack Obama for two terms, made history in 2020 by becoming the oldest person elected to the presidency at 77.
However, his tenure has been marred by concerns over his health and fitness, which reached a tipping point after a decisive loss to former President Donald Trump in a recent presidential debate.
The President took to his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Sunday to announce his withdrawal, stating that he will continue to serve as President and Commander-in-Chief until his term concludes in January 2025.
In his address, Biden emphasized that his decision was motivated by a desire to safeguard American democracy rather than personal ambition.
“I revere this office. But I love my country more. I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” Biden said.
He expressed his belief that his record in office warranted a second term but insisted that ensuring the nation’s democratic principles took precedence.
Biden endorsed Vice President, Kamala Harris as his successor, underscoring the need for unity within the Democratic Party and the nation. “That is the best way to unite our nation,” he stated.
This historic decision makes Biden the first sitting president not to seek re-election since Lyndon Johnson in 1968, who withdrew amid plummeting popularity during the Vietnam War.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, who will face Harris in the upcoming election, wasted no time in launching a series of attacks.
At a rally on Wednesday, Trump described Harris as a “radical left lunatic” and criticized her stance on abortion, claiming she supports extreme measures.
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BREAKING NEWS ! Joe Biden Withdraws from US Presidential Race