Staff Reports
In a stunning and unexpected turn of events, President Joe Biden, under immense pressure from within his own party, has decided to throw in the towel on his 2024 presidential campaign. This announcement comes hot on the heels of his recent debate against former President Donald Trump, which apparently went about as well for him as a lead balloon. The decision has left many in the White House dumbfounded and wondering if the president was ever really in the race to begin with.
Behind the scenes, high-ranking Democrats had been whispering sweet nothings of defeat in Biden’s ear after polls highlighted a stark reality: he was getting crushed by Trump in hypothetical match-ups. The president, it seems, had to be reminded by his aides that the donor support was evaporating faster than a snowflake in July. The decision to withdraw, made in the suffocating isolation of his Delaware home during a COVID quarantine, unfolded like a bad soap opera, complete with the First Lady Jill Biden cheering him on from the sidelines—because nothing says confidence like a spouse’s unwavering faith after decades of political turmoil.
#JoeBiden | As of Saturday night, President Joe Biden planned to stay in the 2024 presidential race, but then shocked his senior staff on Sunday afternoon by telling them that he was withdrawing, a source familiar with the matter said. pic.twitter.com/fnHYbr2W3t
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) July 22, 2024
As the story goes, Biden summoned his oldest allies, Steve Ricchetti and Mike Donilon, who’ve weathered both his highs and lows over the years. The urgency of the meeting turned serious when they unveiled polling data that effectively said, “You’re done, Joe.” Apparently, the grim realization hit harder than a sledgehammer, leaving Biden no choice but to draft an exit letter that would soon grace his X account like the ultimate mic drop.
To the shock of those in the White House, many staffers claimed they were blindsided by the news. They woke up to find Biden had taken the bold step of announcing he was out without so much as a heads-up to the 1,300 loyal souls toiling under his campaign banner. You’d think the leader of the free world could at least give a little courtesy call before making such a profound decision public.
Now, in the aftermath of his withdrawal, Biden has pledged his full support to Vice President Kamala Harris, hinting that she may take the reins if he officially steps aside. Who knows, maybe she’ll grab the brass ring and take the Democrats on a ride straight to defeat next November. One thing is clear: as Biden makes his exit stage left, the Democratic Party is scrambling to figure out what comes next. The question remains whether Biden’s departure will unleash a new wave of candidates eager to fill the vacancy—or if it will only reveal the party’s struggles to find a contender who can go toe-to-toe with a rejuvenated Trump.
