According to Fox News, President Joe Biden has not been seen publicly since a major announcement regarding his political future.
In a letter released on social media, Biden confirmed he will not seek re-election and is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 election.
The announcement, made on Sunday via the platform X, emphasized Biden's belief that stepping down is in the best interest of his party and the country. In his letter, Biden expressed his intention to focus solely on fulfilling his duties for the remainder of his term. He also mentioned he would address the nation later in the week to provide more details about his decision.
According to his public schedule, when the letter was released, Biden was at his house in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. He had no public appearances scheduled for that day or the following Monday. The White House has yet to release additional details about Biden's schedule for the rest of the week.
Last week, Biden began self-isolating after reportedly testing positive for COVID-19. He was last seen publicly on July 17, deplaning in Delaware. On Friday, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, updated Biden's medical condition, noting that the 81-year-old president had completed his sixth dose of PAXLOVID.
Dr. O'Connor reported that Biden is experiencing a loose, non-productive cough and hoarseness but that his symptoms are steadily improving. The doctor also confirmed that Biden's vital signs, including his pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature, remain normal. Additionally, Biden's oxygen saturation is excellent on room air, and his lungs remain clear.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Biden has the KP.2.3 variant of COVID-19, accounting for approximately 33.3% of new infections in the United States. Despite his symptoms, Biden continues to tolerate treatment well and will proceed with PAXLOVID as planned. He is still performing all his presidential duties.
An official familiar with Biden's schedule confirmed that he will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House this week. The exact timing of the meeting has not been established due to Biden’s COVID-19 recovery. Netanyahu left for Washington, D.C., on Monday and is expected to deliver a speech before Congress on Wednesday.
Netanyahu is scheduled to address Congress and meet with Vice President Harris. Before departing for Washington, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of Israel's bipartisan relationship with the United States and reaffirmed Israel's role as America's key ally in the Middle East.
Netanyahu stated:
In this time of war and uncertainty, it's important that Israel's enemies know that America and Israel stand together.
Biden's decision to step down from the presidential race has introduced significant uncertainty into the political landscape. The endorsement of Vice President Harris as the Democratic nominee positions her as a central figure in the upcoming election. Biden's focus on his presidential duties during his remaining term reflects his commitment to maintaining stability amid this transition.
The president's self-isolation and ongoing treatment for COVID-19 have kept him out of the public eye, but his administration continues to function. With the upcoming meeting between Biden and Netanyahu, international relations remain a priority, even as domestic political dynamics shift.
President Biden's recent announcement and subsequent absence from the public eye underscore a period of transition and uncertainty in American politics. His decision to endorse Vice President Harris for the 2024 election reflects a strategic move to unify the Democratic Party. Despite his health challenges, Biden remains committed to his presidential duties and international relations. The upcoming talks with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu highlight the ongoing importance of global partnerships. As Biden prepares to address the nation, the political landscape awaits further clarity on the path forward.
