President Joe Biden announced Sunday he would not seek reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.
According to the Washington Examiner, former President Donald Trump criticized Biden’s decision, claiming he was unfit to serve and run for president.
Biden's decision comes after weeks of pressure from within the Democratic Party. The announcement has led to significant reactions, particularly from former President Trump, who took to Truth Social to express his disapproval.
The President’s decision to step aside marks a significant moment in U.S. political history. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket, a move that has stirred the political landscape less than a month before the Democratic National Convention, scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago.
Biden's decision follows a contentious debate against Trump, which many political analysts cited as a turning point. Concerns over Biden’s age and mental acuity also played a role in his decision not to run.
In his statement, Trump did not hold back, criticizing Biden’s capability and the current state of the country. “Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President and is certainly not fit to serve – And never was! He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump's response was immediate and harsh. He accused Biden of damaging the country through his policies, particularly on immigration. Trump stated that millions of people have crossed the border unchecked and unvetted, including criminals and terrorists, due to Biden's presidency.
Trump continued:
All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn’t capable of being President, and he wasn’t – And now, look what he’s done to our Country, with millions of people coming across our Border, totally unchecked and unvetted, many from prisons, mental institutions, and record numbers of terrorists.
The former president also referenced the broader state of the nation, implying that Biden's tenure has led to a decline in American strength and security. He assured his supporters that the damage would be remedied quickly, reinforcing his campaign slogan, “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Biden’s choice not to run for a second term is unprecedented since Lyndon Baines Johnson’s similar decision in 1968. Then, Vice President Hubert Humphrey became the Democratic nominee but ultimately lost to Richard Nixon.
This announcement has left the Democratic Party with significant uncertainty less than a month before their convention. With Biden endorsing Harris, the party must rally around a new candidate swiftly to maintain cohesion and present a unified front for the upcoming election.
Biden's trailing in most national polls and key battleground states also influenced his decision. His departure from the race marks a significant shift in the 2024 presidential election dynamics, creating a new landscape for both parties to navigate.
President Joe Biden’s announcement not to seek reelection has set the stage for a heated political season. Endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden steps aside amid internal pressure and personal considerations. Former President Donald Trump’s critical response underscores the polarized nature of the current political environment. The Democratic National Convention will now be a focal point as the party seeks to unify and strategize for the upcoming election.
