In a move that has sent ripples through the political landscape, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has announced his decision not to seek reelection. The announcement, made in a letter addressed to the American people, discusses what he views as the achievements of his administration while acknowledging the realities of his health.
Transcription of President Biden’s Letter:
Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
July 21, 2024
My Fellow Americans,
Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a Nation.
Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We’ve provided critically needed care to a million 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 passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.
I know none of this could have been done 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 and preserved our Democracy. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world.
It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my 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.
For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.
I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.
Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
Biden’s decision, though sudden, was not entirely unexpected. In recent months, concerns about his health have been mounting. The physical and mental toll of the presidency, coupled with the demands of a rigorous reelection campaign, appeared increasingly daunting. Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo’s remarks encapsulate a sentiment that has been whispered in political circles: “I don’t think Joe Biden had any choice. His condition was not going to get any better and that’s not something you can hide from the American people. It really is tragic that those closest to him allowed this to continue for so long.”
Camillo’s statement also highlighted the pressing issues that he believes should dominate the forthcoming presidential debates. “Whatever their final ticket looks like, I hope that the debate this fall focuses on things that matter most to the American people: securing the border, correcting policies that contributed to inflation that reached a 41-year high during this administration, and getting away from identity politics and instead focusing on economic opportunity, energy independence, and common sense solutions that do not divide the nation.”
The implications of Biden’s withdrawal are profound. It opens the field for a fresh Democratic candidate, likely triggering significant candidate challenges within the Democratic party and messaging challenges for Republicans. The political arena braces for a dynamic and potentially transformative election cycle.
The President’s closing words, “There is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America” were echoed by Camillo who said, “We are Americans who have political differences, but at the end of the day, we are still neighbors, friends, and colleagues. During the course of debate, that needs to be remembered.”
