Joe Biden has withdrawn from the presidential race, an unprecedented move that throws the Democratic candidacy into doubt only months before the November election against Donald Trump, whom he has called an existential threat to American democracy.
“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 said in a letter announcing his decision.
Biden praised Vice President Kamala Harris in his letter but did not recommend her as his successor on the ticket. He stated that he planned to address the country in further detail later this week.
The president made the startling revelation following a weeks-long pressure campaign by Democratic leaders, organizers, and funders who increasingly saw no way to win as long as the embattled incumbent was on the ballot.
A dismal debate performance last month and his inconsistent public appearances have fueled long-held voter worries that the 81-year-old president was too old to serve another four years.
