Why Did Biden Step Down?
What led to this shocking historical event? Not since LBJ has a sitting President not saught out another term!
President Joe Biden Ends Reelection Campaign After Series of Missteps
U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection campaign on Sunday followed a series of strategic errors by his campaign team and White House aides, heightening concerns about the 81-year-old president’s ability to secure a win in the November election or effectively govern for another term.
Biden’s faltering performance during the June 27 presidential debate against Republican candidate Donald Trump raised doubts among his closest allies about his stamina to endure a full campaign, fueling an already growing movement within the Democratic Party questioning the viability of his second term.
Within a few days, Biden transitioned from being the party’s leader to a perceived liability, becoming the first sitting president to withdraw from a potential reelection bid since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. Key moments leading to this decision include:
The Debate Strategy: April to June
Biden set the stage for the debate after telling radio show host Howard Stern in April that he would debate Trump, despite concerns from some Democratic allies that a debate could highlight his weaknesses rather than strengthen his campaign.
Some Biden aides believed they had made a strategic win by agreeing to a June debate. They collaborated with CNN to shape favorable debate rules and agreed on May 15 to two debates, the first on June 27. They thought an earlier debate would benefit Biden, convincing voters he was the definitive anti-Trump candidate while minimizing the impact of any mediocre performance.
Exhausting Travel Schedule: June 4 to 27
Biden undertook two trips to Europe and the West Coast within a 14-day span before taking a brief rest at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Observers noted that he appeared tired and worn out by the end of these travels.
To prepare for the debate, Biden and his aides retreated to Camp David on June 21 for intensive prep sessions, including detailed briefings and mock debates.
The Debate Night: June 27
During the debate at CNN’s Atlanta studios, Biden struggled with his words and appeared to lose his train of thought. His performance drew immediate scrutiny from reporters, prompting his aides to explain that he was suffering from a cold.
Although Biden’s hoarseness improved as the debate progressed, his fragmented responses surprised voters, donors, and Democratic officials. One Democratic strategist described it as “a disaster.” Trump repeatedly asserted falsehoods, including claims about winning the 2020 election, which Biden failed to effectively counter, leaving his sentences unfinished.
Post-Debate Fallout: June 27 to July 2
The day after the debate, Biden acknowledged his poor performance, saying, “I know I’m not a young man, to state the obvious,” and admitted he “nearly fell asleep on stage.” Calls for Biden to step down began immediately after the debate, with Biden’s aides reaching out to concerned Democrats only days later.
Some lawmakers began to distance themselves, starting with U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett on July 2, followed by others. Donors demanded a turnaround in Biden’s performance, and senior Democrats hinted at possible changes to the ticket.
Mounting Pressure: July 5 to 8
Biden’s attempts to quell the dissent were unsuccessful. In a July 5 interview with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos, Biden stated that only “the Lord Almighty” could remove him from the race, but he also expressed willingness to stay in the race even if he lost to Trump, provided he gave his best effort.
Over the following 24 days, 36 Democratic lawmakers and one independent who caucuses with the Democrats called for Biden to step aside.
Continued Struggles: July 9 to 12
Biden attempted to move forward, giving interviews, holding a press conference, and delivering speeches on the campaign trail and at the NATO summit. However, these events often raised more concerns. During the NATO summit, Biden mixed up the names of key figures, including Vice President Harris and Republican rival Trump, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Polls indicated Biden was trailing other Democrats in key states and districts, though nationwide polls suggested a close race. Despite this, Biden remained convinced he was the best candidate to face Trump, bolstered by a close circle of aides.
Unexpected Events: July 13
Trump was shot while delivering a speech in Pennsylvania. Although the bullet only grazed his ear, the incident unified Republicans around their candidate, while Democrats saw their path to victory narrow further.
Biden contracted COVID-19 while campaigning in Nevada, leading to a period of isolation and reflection at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. During this time, he made the difficult decision to end his campaign.
Live updates: Biden drops out of 2024 presidential race, endorses Kamala Harris | CNN Politics
