US President Joe Biden has announced his withdrawal from the race to be the next president, after mounting pressure from Democrats
He said his decision “is in the best interest of my party and the country” – but will stay on for the final six months of his term
Biden endorsed Kamala Harris, the current vice-president, to be the new Democratic nominee
It comes four months before Americans go to the polls on 5 November
Biden, 81, had faced increasing calls to step aside after a faltering debate performance against Republican candidate Donald Trump in June
Former President Barack Obama’s statement pays tribute to President Joe Biden, who faithfully served as his vice president for eight years. The former President said Biden is “one of America’s most consequential presidents”, praising him as a “patriot of the highest order”
But one thing is hugely noticeable: he doesn’t endorse Kamala Harris. Instead, he says: “I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.” Biden didn’t endorse Harris in his initial statement, but did so an hour later in a post on X
The likely Successors
Kamala Harris
The vice-president has Biden’s endorsement – echoed by the Clintons moments ago.
She proved to be a loyal deputy during the recent weeks of pressure. Since they took the White House in 2020, she has become the face of the administration’s campaign to protect reproductive rights.
Bill Clinton, the former US president, and his wife Hillary Clinton, who ran against Trump in 2016, have endorsed Kamala Harris.
In a statement posted on X, external, they say they will do “whatever they can to support her”.
“Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we’ve got to elect her,” they add.
The premier power couple of American politics take a decidedly combative tone against Trump.
“We’ve lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term,” they say.
“He has promised to be a dictator on day one, and the recent ruling by his servile Supreme Court will only embolden him to further shred the Constitution.”
Ex-President Obama in his salutation to President Biden did not endorse Kamala Harris. Instead, he says: “I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.” Biden didn’t endorse Harris in his initial statement, but did so an hour later in a post on X
Pete Buttigieg
It’s no secret that the transportation secretary has presidential aspirations.
He ran for the White House in 2020 and is often touted as one of the Biden administration’s best communicators. He’s had to deal with a number of crises while in office.
Gavin Newsom
The governor of California has been quick out of the blocks to praise Biden as “one of the most impactful and selfless presidents” America has known.
He, too, has been suggested as a potential candidate for the White House in 2028, having become one of the Biden administration’s fiercest surrogates who raised his national profile in recent years.
Gretchen Whitmer
The Michigan governor is an increasingly popular Midwest Democrat who many pundits had been speculating as a presidential candidate for 2028.
She has campaigned for Biden in the past and has not been shy about her political aspirations. But for now, she says her job “remains the same”. BBC
