Breaking News: President Joe Biden Withdraws from 2024 Race, Kamala Harris Endorsed as Successor

 In a stunning development, President Joe Biden is removing himself from the 2024 presidential race, perhaps seriously altering the political landscape. The move came at the end of a meeting with top advisors Saturday morning, during which polling data and research revealed an "essentially non-existent" pathway to victory. 

But a source close to the process told Kenya News Updates that the meeting made evident that Biden's campaign had become gravely wounded by slipping national and swing-state poll numbers combined with Democratic Party defections.

Image: Courtesy

But his decision wasn't based on one single poll or any advice from his aides Mike Donilon and Steve Ricchetti; rather, as the information showed, the path to a viable campaign had been very badly compromised. 

Unlike in 2015, when Donilon told Biden not to run in 2016 because he was still in deep mourning for his son Beau, neither aide said the magic words to Biden to get out this time. But the dismal data and party defections clearly had an impact on Biden's decision.

Image:Survey of 1000 registered votes in Minnesota; May 25-30

Prior to the conclusion of the meeting , Biden made clear he intended to exit the race. He instructed his aides to draft a letter announcing his departure and to be prepared with all the necessary outreach and operational plans for the announcement. 

That letter was posted on his X account Sundayafternoon (21 July, 2024), following a confirmation of his decision earlier that morning.

Image: @KNUdigital

Biden wrote in a letter, 

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.

In what was a swift strategic move, Biden declared Vice President Kamala Harris his successor. The Democratic candidate went on to post a touching picture with Harris on social media, declaring his full support for her bid for office. 

The Biden for President committee has already been renamed Harris for President committee—that is how fast the Democratic campaign has shifted.

This historic shake-up occurs amidst a plethora of tumultuous events, including the attempted assassination of former President Trump.

A month until the Democratic National Convention and four until the general election, realigning and regrouping will be a tough task ahead for the Democratic Party.

It is on this note that one of Biden's closest allies, Senator Chris Coons, emerged to throw kudos at the President's legacy by saying, 

President Biden has forever put our country first. His decision today underscores his commitment to the nation and his desire to see the best path forward.

Vice President Harris, for her part, expressed appreciation for Biden's support, saying, 

"I am honored to have President Biden's endorsement. 

I'm ready to earn this nomination and take on our opposition, as we build our party together."

Following the announcement, Biden made calls with Ricchetti to some of the most powerful lawmakers, governors, and officials from his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. 

The effort marked an attempt to reach well beyond his tight inner circle.

The political scene is fluid at the moment, with the presidential race of 2024 hanging in the balance. Former President Trump has come out to hammer Biden's exit, highlighting that the nation never stood so uncertain as it stands at the moment.

With this historic development, all eyes will now turn to the Democratic National Convention and how the dynamics of the election in 2024 actually change.

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