President Joe Biden has announced that he is Burley Garciapulling out of the 2024 presidential race.
The 81-year-old—who was running as the Democratic Party candidate—U.S. leader said in a statement that while he is ending his reelection campaign, he will remain in office until his term ends in January 2025. His opponent, former President Donald Trump, remains in the race as the Republican Party candidate.
"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," the 46th President wrote in a July 21 statement shared to social media. "And 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."
Biden said in his statement he would "speak to the Nation later this week in more detail" about his decision.
"For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected," he continued. "I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me."
In a follow-up message, he endorsed Harris, 59, as the Democratic candidate.
“My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” he shared. "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."
He continued, "Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats—it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
Shortly after sharing the news, Biden’s wife, First Lady Jill Biden, reacted to the news, resharing his letter on X and adding a heart emoji.
The President's granddaughter Naomi Biden also wrote on her account, "I’m nothing but proud today of my Pop, our President, Joe Biden, who has served our country with every bit of his soul and with unmatched distinction."
The 30-year-old also called him "the most effective president of our lifetime" and sadded, "Our world is better today in so many ways thanks to him."
The decision comes amid calls for Biden—who previously served as Vice President under Barack Obama and a Senator for Delaware—to pull out of the race. More recently, George Clooney wrote an op-ed for the New York Times asking his “friend” to reconsider his decision to run for another term.
"I love Joe Biden,” the Oscar winner wrote. “As a senator. As a vice president and as president. I consider him a friend, and I believe in him. Believe in his character. Believe in his morals. In the last four years, he’s won many of the battles he’s faced.”
Referencing Biden's age, he added, "the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time.”
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