Joe Biden Endorses Kamala Harris After Dropping Out Of 2024 Presidential Race
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on July 21, 2024 at 3:45 PM EDT
On Sunday, Joe Biden announced he would be dropping out of the 2024 Presidential race, just days after he tested positive for COVID-19.
Biden began his presidency on January 20, 2021, succeeding Donald Trump. Throughout his term, he focused on issues such as healthcare, climate change, racial justice, and infrastructure. He signed the American Rescue Plan Act, which included stimulus payments, expanded child tax credits, and funding for vaccination distribution.
Now that he will no longer run for re-election, he is endorsing his Vice President, Kamala Harris, to become the next President.
Joe Biden Resigns From 2024 Presidential Run
In an official letter, Joe Biden addressed the nation opening with, “Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a Nation.”
“Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans,” he continued. “We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances.”
“We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world,” he continued. “America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.”
Who Could Run For The 2024 Presidential Race As The Democratic Nomination?
Shortly after Biden made his announcement, he endorsed Kamala Harris to run instead.
“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,” he wrote in a follow-up post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “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,” he continued. "Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this."
The President Of The United States Leads America Through The COVID-19 Pandemic
Joe Biden also thanked the nation for helping overcome COVID-19 and the economic crisis.
”I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once-in-a-century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression,” Biden added.
“We’ve protected and preserved our Democracy. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world.”
Biden Thanks The American People
“Let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me,” Biden added. “I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can't do - when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America."
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And 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 one to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” he announced.
Shortly after the news broke, California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote in a post on X that Biden “has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans,” per NBC.
“He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents,” said Newsom.
The President Focused On Economic Recovery Post-Pandemic
Biden took office during the COVID-19 pandemic and made it a priority to accelerate vaccine distribution, increase testing capacity, and provide economic relief to individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic.
His administration rolled out vaccination campaigns and worked to implement public health measures to curb the spread of the virus. He has also focused on economic recovery post-pandemic, including job creation and support for small businesses.
Additionally, the Biden administration has taken steps to promote racial equity, including addressing police reform and voting rights. He signed executive orders to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and supported legislation to protect DACA recipients.
