President Biden announced Sunday he is dropping out of the race for the 2024 elections, arguing that "it is in the best interest of my part and the country for me to stand down." In a follow-up publication, Biden endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, saying she has his "full support and endorsement."
"Democrats — it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this," reads Biden's post.
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
According to a recently published poll by Way to Win, a progressive group that connects donors with campaigns, Harris has a strong support among her party, with almost 7 out of 10 respondents saying they'd support her if President Biden dropped out.
But among Latinos, the numbers are lower, with 52% of those surveyed asserting their support. It is worth clarifying that, at the moment, such scenario was hypothetical. They may very well fluctuate now that it has become a reality.
"Many are very supportive of Biden and his accomplishments, and would be unhappy for him to step aside," explained the study. "But 'relief' was also one of the most common sentiments, driving home the fact that, whether people prefer Biden or Harris, the first thing on many voters' minds is beating Trump."
When it came to her strengths, Harris' "intelligence" was chosen by almost twice as many respondents as the next highest traits: being experienced, ethical, worthy of respect, and hard-working.
Biden announced on Sunday his decision to withdraw from the race amid growing pressure from fellow Democrats following a series of weak public appearances, including the June 27 debate against GOP nominee Donald Trump.
In a letter published on social media, Biden touted a series of achievements from his administration since he took office. However, he said that even though it was his intention to seek reelection, "I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term." "I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision," he added.
Biden had been facing growing calls to step aside, with most high-ranking Democrats conveying the message in public or private. The campaign was also facing a reduced inflow of cash from donors wary of his chances.
Harris said she intends to win the nomination: "I am honored to have the President's endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election," she said in a statement.
"And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda."
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
