Joe Biden Steps Down as Democratic Leader, Will Not Run in Presidential Election

Joe Biden has officially stepped down as the Democratic leader and announced that he will not be running against Donald Trump in the upcoming US presidential election. The 81-year-old politician made this unexpected decision following increasing pressure and concerns about his health.

In a letter published on X (formerly known as Twitter), Biden stated, "I believe it is in the best interests 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." He added that he will provide more details about his decision in a national address later this week.

Biden’s decision comes after a series of discussions with key Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who have been expressing their concerns both publicly and privately. Additionally, Rep. Suzan DelBene of Washington, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, conveyed the worries of frontline Democrats seeking election to the House in a recent meeting with the president.

Biden's full statement reads:

"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 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.

"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 re-elected.

"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."

Stay tuned for more updates as President Biden prepares to address the nation regarding his decision. For an in-depth analysis of Biden's presidency and the implications of his decision, visit our Analysis of Joe Biden's Presidency.