President Biden announced on Sunday that he would not seek a second term, succumbing to intense pressure from fellow Democrats and dramatically altering the race for the White House. The decision initiates a last-minute search for a new candidate capable of preventing former President Donald J. Trump from reclaiming the presidency.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” Biden wrote in a letter posted on social media. “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 me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Biden’s departure from the race sets the stage for a fast-paced and intense scramble to form a new Democratic ticket. This marks the first time in generations that a nomination will be decided at a convention rather than through primaries. Although he did not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, she begins this truncated process in the strongest position but could face challenges from other Democrats.
While Biden will remain president until his term ends in January, the transition of the campaign to a new candidate signifies a momentous generational shift in Democratic Party leadership. The eventual nominee will have just over 75 days after next month’s convention to consolidate support from Democrats, establish themselves as a credible national leader, and make the case against the former Republican president.
