LIVE UPDATES
With US President Joe Biden bowing out of the Presidential race, political observers believe that the action is a seismic event in the American politics. BENEDICTA BASSEY writes about some potential strategic considerations and impacts of such a scenario.
American President Joe Biden dropping out of the presidential race became imperative after a disastrous debate performance against Republican candidate Donald Trump some weeks ago.
Biden's lacklustre performance during the debate has triggered panic about his age and health.
Arising from that development, more than 30 House Democrats and four senators have called on him to drop out of the race.
A key donor, Silicon Valley investor Michael Moritz, also joined other supporters such as actor George Clooney who urged Biden to make way.
Moritz said in the New York Times that, “Sadly, President Biden has a choice — vanity or virtue."
With reports that top Democrats have also expressed concerns, polls showing Trump on course for a return to the Oval Office, and fundraising drying up, the walls appeared to be closing in for Biden.
NBC News had reported that some of Biden’s family members had “discussed what an exit from his campaign might look like” although there was no final decision to do so.
But Biden has pledged on series public appearances that he would remain in the White House race despite calls for him to step down.
Biden in Delaware bench home while recently diagnosed with Covid-19 and receiving treatment in Isolation had said, “The stakes are high, and the choice is clear. Together, we will win.
“I look forward to getting back on the campaign trail next week.”
Although, his doctor had affirmed that the president was bouncing back from the symptoms of the disease, Biden’s political health appeared to be in far worse shape, with ten more House Democrats and two senators joining the list of lawmakers publicly calling on him to quit November’s election clash with Trump.
Vice President Kamala Harris, the front-runner to succeed him as the Democratic presidential candidate if Biden failed to step down held an emergency call with donors last Friday.
Biden’s campaign had however pushed back against reports that he would bow out, saying that while there had been some “slippage” in support, he was still the best candidate.
“Absolutely the president’s in this race,” campaign chairwoman Jen O’Malley Dillon told MSNBC’s Morning Joe programme.
“Joe Biden is more committed than ever to beat Donald Trump.”
The pressure on Biden has intensified in the last 48 hours, with reports that former president Barack Obama, ex-House speaker Nancy Pelosi and the party’s congressional leaders had all expressed concerns behind the scenes after various calls from stakeholders for him to bow out of the race.
But Biden who could not reverse growing sentiment within his party that he was too frail to serve and destined to lose to Donald Trump of the Republican party in the November poll surprisingly announced on Sunday that he would end his presidential re-election campaign, bringing an abrupt and humbling conclusion to his half-century-long political career and scrambling the race for the White House just four months before Election Day.
Biden, 81, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic Party's nominee after mounting calls from Democrats to end his reelection bid.
“While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term. I will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about my decision," Biden wrote in a letter posted on X.
Biden thanked Harris for “being an extraordinary partner” in his letter.
“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.”
A source familiar with the White House campaign said Biden and Harris spoke multiple times on Sunday ahead of the president’s announcement.
Reacting in a statement, Harris thanked Biden for “his extraordinary leadership” and his “remarkable legacy of achievement.”
She said, “I am honoured to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.
“I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party — and unite our nation — to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.”
With this endorsement, Harris could however be the first Black woman and first Asian-American to lead the ticket of a major political party.
Notable Democrats, including Bill and Hillary Clinton and leading progressives, have also quickly announced their support for Harris.
Such a move would be seen as a strategic manoeuvre by the Democratic Party to recalibrate their approach and improve electoral prospects.
Pundits believe that the underlisted are a few potential implications and considerations for Biden's exit.
Rejuvenation and image management
Biden stepping down would allow the Democratic Party to present a fresh face to the electorate.
It is believed that this new leader could potentially reinvigorate enthusiasm among voters, particularly among younger demographics who may be looking for a more dynamic leadership style.
In an unexpected yet potentially strategic move, President Joe Biden's stepping down from the 2024 presidential race could significantly reshape the political landscape for the Democratic Party.
This decision, while surprising, it is believed may be rooted in a calculated effort to ensure the party's continuity, vitality, and appeal to a broader voter base.
Addressing Age and Health Concerns
One of the primary reasons for Biden's withdrawal is concerns about his age and health. At 81, Biden is already the oldest sitting president in U.S. history. Stepping aside might preempt ongoing debates about his fitness for a second term and refocus the conversation on policy and vision rather than personal attributes. This move could also deflect Republican criticisms that exploit his age to question his capacity to lead effectively.
Creating Space for New Leadership
Biden's stepping down would open the door for a new generation of Democratic leaders to emerge. Figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, or even popular governors such as Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer could bring fresh energy and perspectives to the race. By passing the torch, Biden could be seen as fostering party unity and renewal, which could invigorate the Democratic base and attract younger voters.
Policy Pivot
A new Democratic leader could also signal a shift in policy priorities or messaging, addressing criticisms and challenges that the current administration may face. This could be crucial in responding to changing public opinion and addressing pressing national issues.
Midterm Elections Impact
Timing would be critical. With Biden stepping down before the midterm elections, it could give the new leadership time to establish themselves and potentially mitigate losses that historically occur for the president's party in mid term contests.
Strengthening the Democratic Platform and Party
With Biden stepping down, the Democratic Party has an opportunity to refine and strengthen its platform. The new candidate can address pressing issues such as climate change, economic inequality, healthcare, and social justice with renewed vigour. This could also be a moment to unify different wings of the party, from progressives to moderates, under a cohesive and forward-looking agenda.
Party Unity and Support
The decision would need to be carefully managed to ensure it doesn't lead to internal party divisions. The Democrats would need to rally round a successor swiftly to maintain cohesion and present a united front heading into future elections.
A Strategic Move Against a Divided GOP
The Republican Party has been grappling with internal divisions, particularly between traditional conservatives and the pro-Trump faction. Biden's withdrawal could be a strategic manoeuvre to capitalize on this disarray. A new Democratic candidate, unburdened by the baggage of previous administrations, might effectively challenge a potentially fractured Republican field. This fresh face could present a stark contrast to any GOP candidate perceived as extreme or out of touch with mainstream America.
Public Perception
How such a move is communicated to the public and perceived by voters would be paramount. It would be framed as a proactive measure to ensure effective governance and responsiveness to the electorate's concerns.
Maintaining Biden's Legacy
Biden's decision to step aside can also be viewed as a move to protect his legacy. By ensuring that the focus remains on his administration's accomplishments—such as managing the COVID-19 pandemic, infrastructure investments, and efforts to rebuild international alliances—rather than the bruising nature of a re-election campaign, Biden could cement his place in history as a transformative and selfless leader.
While Biden stepping down would be politically complex, it would serve as a strategic move for Democrats to realign and strengthen their position ahead of crucial electoral cycles. The success of such a strategy would hinge on the execution, timing, and the ability of the successor to rally both the party and the nation behind them.
Upon the stepping down announcement, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries praised Biden’s leadership.
With Biden out of the race, individual delegates will need to select the party’s nominee either during a virtual roll call tentatively scheduled for early August, or on the convention floor in Chicago next month. This is the first time a US president has exited a reelection run in decades.
Trump's reaction to Biden's stepping down
Trump in a phone call with CNN after Biden announced his exit, described him as “the worst president by far in the history of our country.”
With Biden bowing out of the race, it is left to be seen if the Democrats will be able to put their house in order to retain power in the most power country in the world after the November polls.
