Title: The Historic Decision: How Biden’s 2024 Presidential Campaign Came to an End
Debate Performance Raises Questions about Biden’s Ability to Serve a Second Term
In a pivotal June debate against Donald Trump, President Joe Biden’s performance opened up discussions about his age, cognitive health, and his chances of defeating Trump in the 2024 presidential election. At 81 years old, Biden faced concerns about his ability to execute his duties for another term as the oldest sitting president in history. His hoarse voice, meandering answers, and lack of strong attacks against Trump during the debate left some Democrats calling for him to step down.
Post-Debate Polls Reflect a Shift in Voter Preferences
Following the debate, polls showed a decline in Biden’s support. According to 538’s national polling average, the two candidates were nearly tied on the day of the debate, but Trump gained a two-percentage-point lead afterward. Vice President Kamala Harris, who had already emerged as a likely top contender, saw her popularity rise as a potential replacement for Biden. Polls comparing Harris against Trump showed her neck-and-neck with the former president.
Biden Defends His Campaign and Explains Poor Performance
President Biden, in his first television interview after the debate, dismissed concerns about his mental fitness and attributed his poor performance to exhaustion and a bad cold. He emphasized that there was no indication of any serious condition affecting his ability to serve. When asked if he would consider stepping down if convinced he couldn’t defeat Trump, Biden responded that such a decision would depend on divine intervention.
Trump’s Favorability Rises Following Assassination Attempt
Former President Donald Trump’s favorability rating increased to 40% in an ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted after an assassination attempt against him during an election rally in Pennsylvania. This marked Trump’s highest favorability rating in four years, while about half of Americans still viewed him unfavorably. The incident and the subsequent Republican National Convention boosted Trump’s popularity among Americans, while a majority of Americans wanted President Biden to drop out of the race.
Biden Campaign Faces Pressure from Party Leaders
Reports surfaced about Democratic party leaders, including Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, expressing concerns about Biden’s reelection prospects. They held discussions with Biden and his campaign about the dwindling support. Pelosi and Schumer suggested the possibility of Biden dropping out of the 2024 presidential race. The campaign began testing head-to-head matchups between Kamala Harris and Trump, indicating a potential shift in their strategy.
Biden Resumes Campaigning Despite COVID-19 Diagnosis
Despite testing positive for COVID-19, President Biden announced his intention to return to the campaign trail to continue taking on Trump. He emphasized the importance of exposing the threat of Trump’s agenda and outlining his vision for America. However, an ABC News/Ipsos poll revealed that 60% of Democrats believed Biden should drop out of the race for reelection, indicating a growing sentiment within his own party.
Biden Makes Historic Announcement, Backs Harris for Nomination
In a historic move, President Biden announced that he would be stepping down from the 2024 presidential race. He stated that it was in the best interest of his party and the country for him to focus solely on fulfilling his duties as president. Biden expressed his full support and endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic Party’s nominee. This decision marked the end of Biden’s campaign and set the stage for a new chapter in the 2024 presidential election.
Conclusion
President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race came as a result of concerns about his age, cognitive health, and ability to defeat Donald Trump. The aftermath of a crucial debate, shifting poll numbers, pressure from party leaders, and an assassination attempt on Trump all played significant roles in shaping this historic decision. With Biden stepping down and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, the upcoming election promises a new dynamic and fresh possibilities for the Democratic Party.
