It’s official, Joe Biden is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, a rare and historic move that followed his lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump just days ago.

The 81-year-old president’s abrupt exit from the race months before Election Day has rattled Democratic donors and strategists who were alarmed by his unsteady and, at times, incoherent showdown against Trump.

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X Screenshot – Joe Biden

As Biden steps back, the Democratic Party is now faced with a wide-open competition for the presidential nomination. The president does not have the authority to handpick his successor for the 2024 ticket, however, Joe Biden has announced on X (Twitter) that he is endorsing Kamala Harris to take his spot as the Democratic nominee.

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With less than five weeks until the virtual roll call to officially nominate a new candidate, the over 4,000 delegates previously pledged to Biden must swiftly rally behind a new leader before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago commences on August 7.

Names being floated as potential replacements for Biden include Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and former first lady Michelle Obama.

While Harris is perceived as a top contender due to legal entanglements surrounding campaign finances, doubts persist within Democratic circles regarding her electability in a general election, given her consistently lagging favorability ratings compared to even Biden’s.

Biden’s decision to throw in the towel followed revelations of senior party leaders losing faith in his chances of victory and growing dissent within the rank-and-file congressional Democrats, who feared potential losses if Biden’s candidacy unraveled.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer were among the prominent figures who cautioned Biden about grim polling data. Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama reportedly expressed skepticism to allies about Biden’s path to securing another term.

Initiating his reelection bid in April 2023, Biden implored voters to grant him an additional four years to “finish the job.” Despite being the oldest president in U.S. history at the time, Biden pressed on with his campaign, disregarding declining support evidenced by polls showing a majority of Americans, including Democrats, rejecting his reelection bid.

Throughout his 15 months on the campaign trail, concerns persisted among voters regarding Biden’s age and mental acuity. Had he pursued a second term, Biden would have conceivably turned 86 before its conclusion.