In a pivotal move at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, President Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.
Biden's endorsement sets the stage for Harris to lead the party in the upcoming presidential race, New York Post reported.
The 81-year-old President stated this change during his much-anticipated speech at the convention, simultaneously addressing party unity and leadership transition. This decision comes following a period of reflection triggered by his debated performance with former President Donald Trump and subsequent concerns voiced by several party members regarding the upcoming elections.
Post-speech, President Biden will travel over 2,000 miles to Santa Ynez, California, where he will join his family for a brief vacation, thus missing the remainder of the convention events. This year marks the first in-person DNC since 2016, with top Democrats such as former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama expected to speak later in the week.
Vice President Harris is scheduled to speak on Thursday, following her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's introduction the previous day. Demonstrating strong support from current and former party leaders, Harris's candidacy symbolizes continuity and renewed focus.
Cedric Richmond, a Biden advisor, emphasized his commitment to citizen welfare over political gains. He articulated that Biden consistently prioritized people’s interests throughout his presidency.
"Politicians worry about the next election, statesmen worry about the next generation," Richmond mentioned, shedding light on the thought process behind Biden’s political decisions.
Minyon Moore, another prominent Democrat, expressed deep admiration for Biden, noting the collective mood at the DNC.
We started out with President Biden, who we all love, we all adore. We look forward to seeing him tonight. We are going to celebrate him — celebrate all of the accomplishments he has given us.
The convention has become a platform not only for endorsing Harris but also for celebrating Biden’s substantial contributions to the party and the country. Senator Chris Coons highlighted the legislation passed during Biden’s term, stating no president in his lifetime had signed more consequential laws.
Despite the festive atmosphere, Biden's decision was tinged with the realities of political dynamics. In a candid CBS interview, he disclosed concerns about his continued campaign potentially harming Democratic prospects. "A number of my Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate thought that I was going to hurt them in the races... And I was concerned if I stayed in the race, that would be the topic," Biden revealed, pinpointing the distractions that could have dominated his campaign.
As the DNC progresses, Harris formally receives the torch, marking the beginning of a new phase for the party. Biden’s backing of Harris intertwines with his legacy, grounded in service to the country over personal or party gains.
In sum, the Democratic National Convention not only marks a significant shift in leadership but also serves as a celebration of the achievements under Biden's presidency. With Harris at the helm and supported by influential party figures, the Democrats are gearing up for the upcoming electoral challenge, reflecting on their past while firmly looking toward the future.
