President Joe Biden announced to the nation on Sunday that he is “standing down” from running in the 2024 presidential race.
The news comes as several top Democratic voices called for him to step aside from his bid for reelection after a shaky debate performance against former President Donald Trump in June.
Read Biden’s full letter announcing his departure from the 2024 race below:
“My Fellow Americans, Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a Nation. Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years.
Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.
President Joe Biden arrives to speak on economics during the Vote To Live Properity Summit at the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 16, 2024.
Kent Nishimura/AFP via Getty Images
I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our Democracy. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world. It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And 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 to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term. I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.
For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me. I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can’t do — when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.”
In a follow-up message on X on Sunday, Biden also announced that he’s endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.
“My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this,” he wrote.
In a surprising announcement, President Joe Biden has revealed that he will not seek re-election in 2024. The news comes as a shock to many, as Biden had previously hinted at the possibility of running for a second term. In a letter released to the public, Biden explained his decision and reflected on his time in office.
In the letter, Biden expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as President of the United States. He highlighted the progress that has been made during his time in office, including the successful rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine and the passage of the American Rescue Plan. Biden also acknowledged the challenges that the country continues to face, such as economic inequality and racial injustice.
Biden went on to explain that he believes it is time for a new generation of leaders to step forward and take the reins of the country. He emphasized the importance of unity and working together to address the pressing issues facing the nation. Biden expressed confidence in the American people and their ability to overcome any obstacles that may arise.
The announcement has sparked speculation about who will run for the Democratic nomination in 2024. Potential candidates include Vice President Kamala Harris, former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, and rising stars within the party such as Pete Buttigieg and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Overall, Biden’s decision not to seek re-election in 2024 marks the end of an era in American politics. As he prepares to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders, Biden leaves behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, and dedication to serving the American people. His full letter can be read on the White House website, where he bids farewell to the nation and expresses hope for a brighter future ahead.
