In a shocking turn of events, United States President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race on Monday, citing concerns within the Democratic Party about his age and ability to compete against Republican Donald Trump.
This sudden move sent Democrats scrambling to find a replacement ahead of their convention in Chicago on August 19.
Vice President Kamala Harris quickly emerged as a frontrunner, garnering support from a significant portion of Democratic lawmakers, governors, and influential figures like Bill and Hillary Clinton. In a swift move, Biden endorsed Harris, further solidifying her position.
However, other prominent Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and former President Barack Obama, initially withheld their endorsements. This reflects the uncertainty and deliberation within the party ranks as they navigate this unexpected challenge.
The Democratic Party is now facing a daunting task: selecting a new nominee in a short span of time while ensuring unity and momentum ahead of the general election. With Harris as the current frontrunner, the party will need to rally behind a candidate who can take on Trump and secure a Democratic victory in 2024.