Biden Exits 2024 Race, Citing Impact on Democratic Allies’ Campaigns

President Joe Biden has revealed that he faced considerable pressure from Democratic lawmakers to withdraw from the upcoming election, citing concerns that his candidacy could negatively impact their political campaigns. In a recent interview with CBS, Biden addressed this internal party push for him to stand aside, explaining that many of his colleagues believed his presence in the race would hinder their own electoral chances.

“What happened was a number of my Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate thought that I was going to hurt them in the races,” Biden stated when asked about the influence from his party.

Despite this pressure, the president reaffirmed his belief that he could have performed well against former President Donald Trump. He maintained that polling data indicated a competitive race, highlighting that it would have likely been a close contest. “Look, polls we had showed that it was a neck-and-neck race; it would have been down to the wire,” he explained.

However, as the pressure mounted and the backlash against him intensified, Biden expressed that he began to worry about how discussions surrounding his health would overshadow the campaigns of other Democratic candidates. “And I thought it’d be a real distraction,” he said, indicating his concern that his age and health issues could become central topics in the election debates.

Though Biden did not specify which lawmakers had urged him to reconsider his presidential bid, reports have suggested that several prominent figures within the Democratic Party—such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi—had been instrumental in encouraging him to step down.

These insights from Biden marked a noticeable shift from his prior insistence on remaining in the race. Until recently, he had been resolute about seeking reelection, even in the wake of a disappointing debate performance that had sparked concern among Democratic leaders. Reflecting on that particular event, he described it as a “really, really bad day” largely due to illness at the time.

Biden previously stated that only “the Lord Almighty” could persuade him to withdraw from the race, emphasizing his determination to run. Yet, in a surprising turn of events, he announced in late July that he would be stepping aside for the sake of the party and the country, a decision he framed as being in the best interest of both entities.

With Biden no longer in the race, Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the Democratic presidential nomination. Biden expressed his commitment to actively campaign for her, despite earlier concerns surrounding his health. “I have no serious problem,” he assured, conveying his support for Harris’s candidacy.

The White House has yet to respond to inquiries regarding Biden’s remarks and the shifting dynamics within the party as the election approaches. Tensions between maintaining party unity and individual ambitions may continue to shape the political landscape as the presidential election draws nearer.

As the Democratic Party prepares for the upcoming election, Biden’s exit from the race raises questions about the effectiveness of this strategy and how it will resonate with voters, who are now looking to Harris to lead the charge against potential Republican rivals.

The unfolding situation highlights a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party, as it seeks to rally support behind Harris and navigate the concerns expressed by party members regarding the viability of their campaign in the 2024 election.

Source: Business Insider