President Joe Biden announced in an open letter to Americans on Sunday that he will not accept his party’s nomination for president, and instead will “focus solely” on fulfilling his duties as president for the remainder of his term.
In his letter, Biden stated that he will address the nation later this week on his decision.
He did not address any of the questions surrounding his health or cognitive abilities that have created the political pressures within his own party to force him to withdraw from the race.
He thanked Vice President Kamala Harris “for being an extraordinary partner in all this work,” but gave no indication as to whether he will endorse her or any other candidate to replace him as the 2024 Democrat Party nominee for president.
Read the letter here, as it was posted to X at 12:46 pm CT on Sunday:
Less than half an hour later, at 1:13 PM CT, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 Democrat Party nomination for President, in a post at X.
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.
The news comes on the heels of repeated denials and assurances to supporters and donors that he would stay in the race and win in November.
It’s a miracle, folks. Donald told the truth for once.
It’s the most important election of our lifetimes.
And I will win it. pic.twitter.com/PjEIO6znSW
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 20, 2024
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Michael Patrick Leahy is the founder and CEO of the Star News Network, which includes The Tennessee Star. Follow Leahy on X at @michaelpleahy.
