Despite initial resistance, President Biden has finally bowed to pressure from senior Democrats who believe his presence on the ballot will cost the party control of Congress. The news comes amid a surge in anti-incumbency sentiment across Europe and Iran, suggesting that voters are rejecting the status quo and seeking change.
President Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race marks a significant shift in the Democratic Party's strategy, driven by a growing anti-incumbency sentiment both in the United States and abroad.
Across Europe, populist and right-wing movements have been gaining ground, fueled by frustration with incumbent governments. In Hungary, Viktor Orban has transformed the country into an "illiberal democracy," while in Italy, the right-wing Brothers of Italy propelled Giorgia Meloni to power as prime minister. In Sweden, the Sweden Democrats have emerged as the second most popular party, with a near doubling of their vote share since 2014.
Biden's Withdrawal: Democrats' Anti-Incumbency Sentiment Drives Shift
Similar trends have been observed in the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AFD) has gained traction in recent elections.
Analysts have attributed this rise in populism to widespread anti-immigrant sentiment and fury over rising prices. However, some argue that it also reflects a surge in anti-incumbency sentiment, where voters are rejecting the existing political establishment.
Biden's Withdrawal: Democrats' Anti-Incumbency Sentiment Drives Shift
This anti-establishment sentiment is not confined to Europe. In the United Kingdom, voters recently gave Labour Party leader Kier Starmer a massive majority, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. In France, voters rejected both the populist right-wing National Rally and Emmanuel Macron's party, endorsing a left-led alliance. And in Iran, voters overwhelmingly defeated the hard-line candidate Saeed Jalili in favor of reformist Masoud Pezeshkian.
In all three contests, voters rejected the right but opted for change. If Americans share this anti-incumbency instinct, it could propel former President Donald Trump to a landslide victory in November.
Biden's Withdrawal: Democrats' Anti-Incumbency Sentiment Drives Shift
Trump, despite his legal troubles, could win despite his nostalgic slogan: Make America Great Again, Again.
While many Democrats sensed the widespread yearning for change, Biden's refusal to honor his initial pledge to step aside after one term caused turmoil within the party. With Biden's withdrawal, Democrats are now scrambling to find a viable nominee who can challenge Trump's appeal.
Biden's Withdrawal: Democrats' Anti-Incumbency Sentiment Drives Shift
The anti-incumbency sentiment that has fueled the withdrawal of President Biden and the rise of other populist movements around the world suggests that voters are tired of the status quo and are demanding change. The outcome of the 2024 presidential election will be a testament to this growing trend.
