Joe Biden ends re-election bid, endorses Harris as presidential nominee

New Delhi, July 22, 2024: US President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is ending his re-election bid and has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Biden, 81, who will continue to serve out his term, is expected to address the nation later this week.

The US president's decision comes after increasing calls for him to step aside following a lacklustre debate performance against former President Donald Trump last month. First Lady Jill Biden supported her husband, stating she stands by him "whatever road he chose" and remains his "biggest believer," according to her spokeswoman.

Vice President Harris, honoured by Biden's endorsement, has vowed to "earn and win" the nomination. Should she succeed, Harris would make history as the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead a major political party's ticket. In preparation for her campaign, the Biden-Harris campaign has updated its filings with the Federal Election Commission to rename its principal committee and officially declare Harris a candidate for president.

A significant number of Senate Democrats have rallied behind Harris, with at least 27 out of the 51 senators who caucus with the Democrats, including four independents, publicly endorsing her candidacy. However, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin have not yet endorsed Harris. Additionally, around 60 House Democrats have also thrown their support behind her.

Media reports suggest that Harris's path to the nomination is not guaranteed despite Biden's endorsement. The party's process for selecting an alternative nominee remains unclear, and there are indications that Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, an independent, might re-register as a Democrat to run for president.

In a phone call with CNN following Biden's announcement, former President Trumpcriticized Biden, calling him "the worst president by far in the history of our country" and used the opportunity to issue a fundraising appeal to his supporters.