Despite repeatedly asserting his determination to run for a second term, President Biden has abruptly ended his campaign, citing the need to "save our democracy." This unexpected departure has sparked speculation about his true reasons and the future of the Democratic Party.
President Biden's unwavering insistence that he would remain in the 2024 presidential race before abruptly announcing his withdrawal has left many wondering about the factors that drove his decision. In the weeks leading up to his announcement, Biden had repeatedly stated that he was "not going anywhere" and that he was confident in his ability to win re-election.
However, amid mounting pressure from Democratic lawmakers and party leadership, Biden's tone shifted. On July 21, he released a letter suspending his campaign, stunning political observers and voters alike.
Biden's Broken Promise: Reversal on Re-election Bid Raises Questions
The unprecedented announcement came as an increasing number of Democrat lawmakers had begun to publicly call for Biden to step aside. The party's leadership reportedly engaged in efforts to convince Biden, 81, that he could not win in November's general election against former President Trump.
Biden's withdrawal also followed a series of interviews that failed to reassure Democratic politicians and voters that he could successfully serve another four years. His diagnosis with COVID-19 on July 16 further added to concerns about his health.
Biden's Broken Promise: Reversal on Re-election Bid Raises Questions
Despite the avalanche of pressure, Biden had repeatedly stressed his commitment to winning re-election. On several occasions, he told crowds of supporters that he had no plans to pass the baton.
"What's Joe going to do? Is he going to stay in the race? Is he going to drop out? What's he going to do?" Biden asked a crowd in Madison, Wisconsin, on July 5. "Well, here's my answer. I am running and going to win again."
Biden's Broken Promise: Reversal on Re-election Bid Raises Questions
"We're not going anywhere. I am not going anywhere," Biden said three days later while calling into MSNBC's "Morning Joe." "Listen, I wouldn't be running if I didn't absolutely believe that I am the best candidate to beat Donald Trump in 2024."
Biden also downplayed the idea that his party would push him aside. During a July 5 sit-down interview with President George Stephanopoulos, Biden dismissed the possibility of Democrats calling for him to withdraw.
Biden's Broken Promise: Reversal on Re-election Bid Raises Questions
"They're not going to do that," Biden chuckled.
"You're sure?" Stephanopoulos asked.
"Well, yeah, I'm sure," Biden replied. "Look, I mean, if the Lord Almighty came down and said 'Joe, get out of the race,' I would get out of the race, but the Lord Almighty's not coming down."
Biden also whispered that "it was not going to happen" on July 11 when asked about the possibility of being replaced at the Democratic convention.
A day later, Biden said that he had become the party's nominee because of the voters and "no one else."
"Not the press, not the pundits, not the insiders, not donors. You, the voters, you decided. No one else and I'm not going anywhere," Biden said.
Biden's reversal has raised questions about his judgment and the future of the Democratic Party. Some have speculated that he may have been forced out due to health concerns or behind-the-scenes political pressure. Others believe that he realized he could not win re-election and decided to step aside for the sake of the party.
Whatever the reasons, Biden's withdrawal has opened up the Democratic field and created a sense of uncertainty about the party's future direction. With no clear frontrunner, the race for the Democratic presidential nomination is wide open.
