On Monday, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris lauded President Joe Biden’s legacy as “unmatched in modern history” during her first public address since Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, subsequently endorsing her candidacy.
Speaking at an event held at the White House, Harris declared, “In one term, he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who have served two terms in office.”
The unexpected announcement came after Biden, aged 81, ended his reelection campaign on Sunday. Reports suggest that his decision followed growing concerns within the Democratic Party regarding his mental acuity and ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
Despite his decision to step down from the race, Biden remains committed to his duties as president and commander-in-chief until his term concludes in January 2025.
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In a statement posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), Biden assured the nation of his continued leadership and indicated he would address the public later this week.
My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best… pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
Biden’s endorsement of Harris marks a historic moment, as she becomes the first Black woman to run at the top of a major-party ticket in U.S. history. At 59, Harris brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the forefront of the Democratic campaign.
Biden’s decision to nominate Harris comes on the heels of intense public and private pressure from Democratic lawmakers and party officials who urged him to reconsider his candidacy following his disappointing performance in a televised debate on June 27 against Republican rival Donald Trump, 78.
Harris’s ascent to the top of the ticket signals a new chapter for the Democratic Party as it rallies behind her candidacy. Her praise for Biden’s achievements underscores the administration’s accomplishments over the past four years and sets the stage for the upcoming electoral battle.