President Joe Biden's surprise announcement that he will not seek re-election and his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee has upended the 2024 presidential race. The decision, made with just over 100 days until the election, came after intense pressure from Democrats and Republicans alike to step down due to concerns about his age and mental fitness.
Biden's announcement was made in a letter where he stated it was in the best interest of his party and the country for him to focus solely on fulfilling his duties as President for the remainder of his term. The decision came as a shock to many, including Vice President Harris who learned of it on Sunday morning.
Biden's decision not to seek re-election was met with mixed reactions. Some Republicans called for him to resign early, but there was no indication he had any intention of doing so. Others questioned his ability to serve as president and raised concerns about his mental fitness, but these claims have been met with skepticism from Biden supporters.
Biden's endorsement of Harris does not automatically make her the nominee. The Democratic nominee will be chosen through a complex process involving delegates and the Democratic National Convention. Individuals who meet certain requirements can be nominated, including gathering signatures from delegates and establishing substantial support for their nomination.
Other prominent Democrats have endorsed Harris, but some are calling for an open process to replace Biden. Senator Joe Manchin was considering re-registering as a Democrat and potentially entering the race on Sunday night. The new presidential nominee's running mate will typically be chosen by the nominee themselves, and accepted by delegates.
Money raised for Biden's reelection campaign could be transferred to Harris if she becomes the nominee, but there is debate among campaign finance experts and Republican lawyers on how this should occur. No US president has been pressured out of a reelection campaign due to concerns over their mental fitness, but it is not unprecedented for an incumbent president to abandon their reelection campaign.
Biden's decision comes months closer to Election Day than previous instances of presidents not seeking re-election. The timing and circumstances surrounding Biden's decision have given rise to many questions about what comes next for the rest of his presidency and for the presidential race.
