In a somewhat sudden but expected turn of events, US President Joe Biden has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2024, marking the end of his long political career. “While it has been my intention to seek re-election, 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,” Biden wrote on X.
Driving the news
Driving the news
- Biden, who said he would remain in the office till the end of his term, endorsed vice-president
Kamala Harris as the presumptive Democratic nominee to take on former US President Donald Trump. While lauding Biden for opting out, former US PresidentBarack Obama said that the Democratic part “will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead.” - Biden has become the first incumbent president since Lyndon B Johnson in 1968 to relinquish his party’s nomination for reelection, leaving his successor with a mere four months to mount a campaign. This historic decision comes amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War, which prompted Johnson’s withdrawal in March 1968.
- When Biden emerged victorious against Trump in the 2020 election, he made history as the oldest US president ever elected. During that campaign, he portrayed himself as a “bridge to the next generation,” leading some to believe he would serve a single term as a transitional figure who defeated Trump and restored his party to power.
- However, Biden had set his sights on a second term, convinced that he was the only Democrat capable of defeating Trump once again.
- In recent weeks, his advanced age became increasingly evident, with his gait becoming more labored and his childhood stutter resurfacing occasionally.
- Following Biden’s shaky and hesitant performance during the first debate with Trump on June 27, calls for him to reconsider his candidacy grew significantly louder, giving even his most ardent supporters pause.
- Donors began to withdraw their support, while supporters of Harris started to rally around her. Influential Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a long-time ally, advised Biden that he cannot secure victory in the election.
‘This is exactly what Trump feared’
- But by quitting the race, Biden has given a clean slate and fresh chance to Democrats to mount a new challenge against Trump and Republican Party. “And this is exactly what Trump feared. For the first time — not just in his political life, but the first time in his media life, in his professional life — the disruption is on the other side. People are not having to respond to the shocking turn of events from him for once,” Joe Scarborough, host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe”, wrote after Biden’s announcement.
- Many Democratic lawmakers lauded Biden’s decision and said they believed it would boost the chances of defeating Trump. “I think he’s going to go down in history as a uniquely successful president who saved the country twice, first by running in 2020 and then by passing the torch in 2024,” Former US Rep Tom Malinowski, a Democrat, told the Foreign Policy.
- At the same time, by not being in any electoral race – for the first time in over half a century – Biden is free from the constraints of political manoeuvring, allowing him to pursue more radical policies. This may embolden Biden to take radical political decisions and make it harder for Trump to win.
Biden can now embrace ‘Dark Brandon‘
- According to a New York Post report, Biden can now embrace the “Dark Brandon” persona that his online supporters have celebrated. The “Dark Brandon” meme, which originated as a mockery from the right, has been co-opted by Biden’s supporters to symbolize a more assertive and transformative leadership style. This persona depicts Biden as a powerful figure capable of enacting significant change, and it has gained traction among his online supporters. By fully embracing this identity, Biden can galvanize his base and project strength in a politically charged environment.
- One area where Biden could make significant changes is student loan forgiveness. Despite legal pushback, he has already suspended payments for 8 million people under the SAVE Plan. With no election to consider, Biden might extend this suspension to all federal loan holders.
- Another potential move is the legalization of cannabis. Although the administration has faced resistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and congressional Republicans, Biden could push for rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III, a step that could secure the youth vote.
- Biden’s foreign policy could also see shifts. With nothing to lose, he might increase American involvement in Ukraine or impose stricter conditions on aid to Israel amidst its conflicts with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.
What’s next
- With Biden opting out of the presidential race, the US political landscape is poised for dramatic changes, especially for the Democrats. “If the party handles the next few months effectively, it has the chance to win the
presidential election , possibly gain control of the House of Representatives, and start a new era in Democratic politics. - Biden could go down as a leader who sacrificed himself and allowed for the change to take place. Trump can once again go down to defeat,” said an article in the Foreign Policy.
- The final months of Biden presidency, when he was forced out of the race by his own colleagues, could be some of the most impactful of his career. By not running against him, Biden may exact the ultimate revenge on Trump.
(With inputs from agencies)
Source Agencies
