President Joe Biden has officially decided not to seek a second term in the upcoming 2024 election, sending shockwaves through the political world.
This development comes amid ongoing debates about his fitness for office, and some lawmakers are now urging the use of the 25th Amendment to oust Biden from the White House immediately, as Fox News reports.
Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee is spearheading efforts urging Vice President Kamala Harris to consider invoking the 25th Amendment due to President Biden's perceived health issues. Despite the president presumably poised to cite other reasons for not running, his health has consistently been under scrutiny.
Biden announced his decision while self-isolating in Delaware, following a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. His announcement was made public on Sunday, with plans announced to return to the White House that Tuesday.
In a notable move following his withdrawal announcement, President Biden swiftly endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's nominee for the 2024 election.
This endorsement suggests what some laud as a seamless leadership transition within the Democratic Party.
However, this transition is not without controversy. Rep. Ogles, in a letter addressed to the vice president, expressed profound concern over Biden's capacity to lead. "Whether you were aware of Mr. Biden’s declining health throughout his tenure, the implications of allowing him to remain in his current capacity are extraordinary," Ogles wrote.
He further emphasized the gravity of the situation by claiming, "We are in an unprecedented era in American history." These comments underline the critical nature of the leadership debate surrounding President Biden.
Concerns about Biden's capabilities have not been limited to Republican observations. As early as November 2023, his mental fitness was under intense scrutiny from multiple corners, with various reports and opinion pieces questioning his acuity.
A report by then-special counsel Robert Hur in February 2024, described Biden as “a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” This characterization emphasized concerns over Biden’s ability to manage the presidency effectively, especially in the context of international threats and domestic stability.
Harris’ office has been quick to respond to the claims, working hard to affirm Biden’s ability to fulfill his presidential duties. No substantial move has been made towards invoking the 25th Amendment as of yet, which would allow for the vice president to assume presidential duties if the president is deemed unable to fulfill them.
Despite the controversy, Biden's decision not to run was met with general praise from his party. Many Democrats expressed pride in his presidency and the dignified manner in which he was thought to be handling his exit from the electoral race.
As the debate continues, the narrative around Biden's presidency and the Democratic Party’s future leadership remains intensely discussed across political and public spheres. Whether these discussions will lead to any significant constitutional actions remains to be seen. However, they mark a critical phase in American political dynamics, illustrating deep national concerns over leadership stability.
