By Abubakar Yunusa
US President Joe Biden has decided not to seek reelection, responding to increasing calls from fellow Democrats concerned about his health and recent debate performance against Republican candidate Donald Trump.
Biden announced his decision on Sunday evening, ending his 2024 campaign.
In a letter to Americans, Biden wrote, “It is in the best interest of my party and the country.”
He plans to address the nation later this week to provide further details.
Biden’s Letter to Americans
“My Fellow Americans,
Over the past three and a half years, we have made significant progress as a nation.
Today, America boasts the strongest economy in the world. We’ve invested in rebuilding our nation, lowered prescription drug costs for seniors, and expanded affordable health care to record numbers. We’ve provided critical care to veterans exposed to toxic substances, passed the first gun safety law in 30 years, appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court, and enacted the most significant climate legislation in history. America is better positioned to lead than ever before.
This could not have been achieved without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once-in-a-century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected our democracy and strengthened global alliances.
It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president. While I intended to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country to stand down and focus on fulfilling my duties for the remainder of my term.
I will speak to the nation later this week with more details about my decision.
For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all who worked towards my reelection. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for her partnership. And I deeply appreciate the American people for their faith and trust.
I believe, as I always have, that there is nothing America can’t achieve when we work together. We must remember we are the United States of America.”
President Biden’s decision marks a significant shift in the political landscape as the country looks towards the 2024 election.
