[UPDATED] Joe Biden drops out of 2024 presidential race

UNITED STATES President Joe Biden made the not-so-shocking announcement on July 21 that he is bowing out of the 2024 presidential campaign and was endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the next Democratic nominee.

This comes weeks away from the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago in August, at which the party will finally and officially select its presidential candidate for the November 5 US presidential election.

Biden became the US's 46th president in January 2021. He said he would speak in more detail on his decision later this week and thanked Americans for placing their faith in him during his tenure as president.

“It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your president,” Biden wrote. “While it has been my intention to seek re-election, 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 was set to face Republican presidential nominee and former US president Donald Trump.

But after a less than desirable showing in the presidential debate on June 27 and a faux pas at the NATO summit on July 11, many rank-and-file Democratic lawmakers called for him to withdraw from the race.

Concerns were raised over the 81-year-old president’s ability to lead the Democrats into the election and afterward. Questions were also raised about his fitness for office. He was also recently diagnosed with covid19.

On his Twitter/X page, Biden gave Harris the thumbs up as the next Democratic nominee.

“My very first decision as party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my vice president, and its 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.”

On her Twitter/X page, Harris expressed gratitude for Biden’s endorsement. She promised to continue to do all she is called to, in order unite the Democratic party.

“I am honoured to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” she said. “Over the past year, I have travelled across the country talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead.”

Prime Minister wishes Biden, Harris well

Meanwhile. the Prime Minister described Biden’s decision as “historic, bold and courageous” while responding to Newsday via WhatsApp.

“It is a very historic, bold and courageous decision coming from a man who would do anything for his country,” said Dr Keith Rowley in response to Newsday. “I wish him a long and healthy retirement.”

He later made the same statement on the Office of the Prime Minister’s Facebook page.

Speaking on Harris’s possible selection as the next Democratic candidate for the election, Rowley said the final outcome will ultimately be a matter for the American people.

“I have every confidence that they will be guided to make wise and sensible decisions,” he said.

“I have been fortunate to have been exposed to and have worked with both President Biden and Vice President Harris. They are both outstandingly patriotic citizens of their country and we in democratic Trinidad and Tobago can do no more than to wish them well as they go forward into a vigorous campaign which we hope will be peaceful and worthy of the great nation of the US.”

Rodney Charles calls Biden an inspiration

MP for Naparima Rodney Charles said he was inspired by Biden’s example of putting the needs of his country and party before his own ambitions. He noted that he was also stepping down from his political career and not seeking re-election for his seat in the local general election in 2025.

“His decision to relinquish power for the greater good is a model of true leadership,” Charles said.

“I hope that all politicians in TT can take note of this selflessness and embrace the necessity of generational change. It's time for new perspectives and leadership to drive our nation forward. I extend my best wishes to President Biden and encourage our local leaders to follow this path of commitment to our country’s progress.”

Support for Kamala, Love for Biden

Former US president Bill Clinton and senator Hillary Clinton also joined with Biden in endorsing Harris as the Democrat's next nominee.

“We are honoured to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her,” the Clintons said in a joint statement on Twitter/X

While he did not outwardly express support for Harris’s nomination, former president Barack Obama on his Twitter/X page lauded Biden on his empathy, resilience, decency and faith in people.

“Since taking office, President Biden has displayed that character again and again. He helped end the pandemic, created millions of jobs, lowered the cost of prescription drugs, passed the first major piece of gun safety legislation in 30 years, made the biggest investment to address climate change in history and fought to ensure the rights of working people to organise for fair wages and benefits,” Obama said.

He said the Democratic party will be navigating uncharted waters coming out of Biden’s decision to bow out of the race, but expressed confidence that the party will find a way to select a suitable nominee.

“For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times,” he said.

There was also an outpouring of support for Biden from several world leaders immediately after his announcement.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

UNITED STATES President and candidate for the 2024 US presidential election Joe Biden announced he is bowing out of the presidential campaign and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the next democratic candidate on July 21.

He said in posts on his social media pages he would speak to the United States later on this week in more detail on his decision, but thanked Americans for placing their faith in him during his tenure as president.

“It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your president,” Biden said.

“While it has been my intention to seek re-election, 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 was set to face Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump at the presidential election set to be held on November 5.

On his twitter/X page, Biden gave Harris the thumbs up as the next Democratic candidate.

“My very first decision as party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President, and its 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.”