Democratic donors are already returning in their droves after President Joe Biden announced on Sunday he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him at the top of the party ticket.
Liberal political action committee ActBlue announced that, as of 9pm ET, just over seven hours since Biden announced he was stepping aside, it had raised a staggering $46.7m: “This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle.”
The resurgence in donations comes after several of the party’s top donors had pulled funding in recent weeks as they, together with Democratic lawmakers, called on Biden to quit the race.
Yesterday, the president finally complied, sharing a letter to the American people saying that “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 then endorsed Harris, who said in a statement that she plans to “earn and win” the nomination and vowed to do “everything in my power” to beat Donald Trump.
Key Points
- Democrats applaud, Republicans fume as Joe Biden drops out to endorse Kamala Harris
- Party sees ‘biggest fundraising day’ as PAC ActBlue raises $46.7m
- Clintons lead Democrats endorsing Harris – but Obama makes no mention of her in statement
- Democratic state party chairs overwhelmingly back Harris
- Majority of party's senators endorse Harris
Kamala Harris to speak today
09:00
Joe Sommerlad
The US Vice President, now the centre of everyone’s attention after Joe Biden’s seismic announcement yesterday, has a number of public engagements on her schedule this week and will no doubt be peppered with questions about the race and the likelihood of her succession.
Today, Harris will host an event on the South Lawn of the White House with sports teams from across the country that won National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships this year and deliver remarks at approximately 10.30am ET (3.30pm GMT).
She has a previously scheduled campaign visit to Milwaukee on Tuesday, the site of the Republican National Convention last week.
Then, looking further ahead, she will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to Washington later this week.
Watch: Pete Buttigieg mocks JD Vance as he explains why he thinks tech bros are backing Trump
08:40
Joe Sommerlad
Top Democrat donor Reid Hoffman endorses Kamala Harris
08:20
Rachel Sharp
Top Democrat donor and LinkedIn cofoundr Reid Hoffman has thrown his backing behind Kamala Harris.
In a thread on X, he praised Joe Biden for “one of the most selfless acts we’ve seen from a politician in modern American history” and described Harris as “the right person at the right time” to take on Donald Trump.
“Joe Biden is a leader who acts with the best interests of America in mind. Not seeking re-election is one of the most selfless acts we’ve seen from a politician in modern American history. This is what’s right for our country—and our democratic future,” he wrote.
“Kamala Harris is the right person at the right time. Donald Trump and JD Vance are promising an agenda that will wreak havoc on the American people. Harris’s background and leadership growing the economy, fighting for bodily autonomy, and protecting our democracy uniquely position her to push back against Trump’s extremism.”
Joe Biden is a leader who acts with the best interests of America in mind. Not seeking re-election is one of the most selfless acts we’ve seen from a politician in modern American history. This is what’s right for our country—and our democratic future.
— Reid Hoffman (@reidhoffman) July 21, 2024
AOC throws support behind Harris after progressive Democrat stood by Biden throughout crisis
08:00
Rachel Sharp
AOC stood by President Joe Biden throughout his weeks-long crisis, hitting out at her fellow Democrats who publicly called for him to exit the race.
Following his announcement that he was quitting the race and endorsing Kamala Harris, she has thrown her support behind the vice president.
“Kamala Harris will be the next President of the United States,” she said in a post on X.
“I pledge my full support to ensure her victory in November. Now more than ever, it is crucial that our party and country swiftly unite to defeat Donald Trump and the threat to American democracy. Let’s get to work.”
Kamala Harris will be the next President of the United States. I pledge my full support to ensure her victory in November.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) July 22, 2024
Now more than ever, it is crucial that our party and country swiftly unite to defeat Donald Trump and the threat to American democracy.
Let’s get to work.
Kamala Harris endorsed by Charli XCX – and she’s leaning into it
07:40
Rachel Sharp
Kamala Harris has received an endorsemt from Charli XCX – and the Democratic presidential candidate is leaning into it.
After Harris confirmed her plans to run in the 2024 race, the singer posted on X: “Kamala IS brat.”
The post – a reference to Charli XCX’s new album “Brat” – quickly racked up millions of views.
Harris appears to be flattered by the support, quickly changing the profile picture on her Kamala HQ X account to match the album cover.
Joe Manchin floats presidential run as a Democrat after Biden steps aside
07:20
Rachel Sharp
Shortly after Joe Biden announced he was abandoning his reelection bid and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, a longtime Democrat who in May left the party to become an independent, is reportedly himself mulling a run for the White House.
Manchin, 76, on Sunday morning called for Biden, 81, to step aside in favor of a younger, more electable candidate.
“He will go down with a legacy unlike many people as one of the finest and truly a patriot, an American, so with that, I come with a heavy heart to think the time has come for him to pass the torch to a new generation,” Manchin said in an appearance on ABC’s This Week.
Democratic donors return in droves after Biden quits race and and endorses Harris
07:00
Rachel Sharp
Democratic donors are already returning in their droves after President Joe Biden announced that he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him on the top of the party ticket.
Liberal political action committee ActBlue announced that as of 9pm ET, just over seven hours since Biden announced he was stepping aside, it had raised a staggering $46.7m.
“UPDATE: As of 9pm ET, grassroots supporters have raised $46.7 million through ActBlue following Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign launch,” the PAC said in a statement.
“This has been the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle. Small-dollar donors are fired up and ready to take on this election.”
The resurgence in donations comes after several of the party’s top donors had pulled funding in recent weeks as they, together with Democratic lawmakers, called on Biden to quit the race.
Trump takes a big lead over Harris in betting odds for November, but one Dem is a surprise with her chances
06:40
Rachel Sharp
Donald Trump has taken the lead in the presidential betting odds against Kamala Harris.
The former president is currently -200 favorite to win the presidential race, while Harris is roughly a 2/1 underdog at +185, according to BetOnline. The newest results come as President Joe Biden announced he would no longer seek reelection in November.
But third on the list is none other than former First Lady Michelle Obama, who left the White House in 2017, with odds at +2000.
Any Democrat who dares to challenge Kamala Harris would be committing ‘political suicide’: sources
06:20
Rachel Sharp
Any Democrat who dares to challenge Vice President Kamala Harris to top the party ticket would be committing “political suicide,” sources have warned.
Speaking on Face the Nation after Biden announced he was stepping down from the 2024 race and endorsing Harris for president, CBS News’ Margaret Brennan said that sources had told her they were not expecting a “head to head challenger”.
“Anyone, I was told, looking to challenge her would be committing political suicide to try to go head-to-head after Joe Biden had been so key in making it very clear, just within minutes of announcing he was not going to seek reelection, that he was endorsing her,” she said.
Brennan added: “The question then becomes who is the person who stands beside her August 19th at that Democratic convention to seek the nomination in that Vice President role. That’s where the focus is.”
Any Democrats who may have been looking to challenge Kamala Harris for the nomination "would be committing political suicide," given that President Biden endorsed Harris within minutes of withdrawing his candidacy, @margbrennan reports. pic.twitter.com/6LkhZGxySl
— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) July 21, 2024
Biden’s last appearance in public before president quits 2024 election race
06:00
Lucy Leeson
Joe Biden’s last appearance in public was four days ago when he was seen slowly walking off Air Force One after testing positive for Covid-19.
The 81-year-old disembarked the aircraft at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware before getting inside a car on Wednesday (17 July).
The president announced his decision to quit the 2024 presidential race on Sunday (21 July).
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Biden said it was “in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down”.
Where it went wrong: How Joe Biden’s campaign came to an end
05:30
Natalie Chinn
President Joe Biden has dropped out of the 2024 presidential election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place in facing off Trump in November.
His announcement came after 37 Democratic and Independent lawmakers publicly called for him to step down from the race.
But how did we get here — and when did everything start going wrong?
We put together a timeline of events from this year to show exactly where President Biden’s campaign took a turn.
Hunter and Biden family’s tribute to Joe: ‘Unconditional love has been his North Star as president and as parent’
05:10
Mike Bedigan
Hunter Biden penned an emotional tribute to his father on Sunday, saying that “unconditional love” has served as Joe Biden’s “North Star” during his time as president, following the stunning announcement on Sunday that he has put an end to his re-election campaign.
“He is unique in public life today, in that there is no distance between Joe Biden the man and Joe Biden the public servant of the last 54 years,” he wrote as tributes began to pour in for the president.
First lady Jill Biden and the president’s granddaughter Naomi were among the other Biden family members who spoke out in support of the president’s momentous decision, which comes after plummeting poll numbers and weeks of mounting pressure from prominent Democratic lawmakers and donors.
Former Biden press secretary reacts to news he’s stepping down
04:50
Gustaf Kilander
As she broke the news on MSNBC on Sunday that Biden was stepping aside from the presidential race, former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said: “Obviously, this is a significant breaking news development with the President announcing he is stepping back from the race.”
“There was very little indication from people close to him and many people in the campaign that this was what was about to happen, as much as there were reports of Democrats calling on him to do that,” she added.
“I’m just going to say on a personal note, I’m just digesting this myself here because I worked for him for a year and a half and he is a remarkable person, a remarkable president,” she continued. “He’s had such a tremendous presidency where he has overcome the odds and defied people’s expectations.”
“People didn’t think he could pass an infrastructure bill. They didn’t think that he could lead through COVID,” she said. “They didn’t think he could pull countries together. He did all of those things and will continue to do those things. And also is just a deeply good human being.”
Keir Starmer praises Joe Biden after withdrawal from US presidential race
04:30
William Warnes
The UK Prime Minister has praised Joe Biden for making a decision based on what he believed to be in “the best interest of the American people” after the US president withdrew his bid for re-election.
Mr Biden said on Sunday that it was “in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down”.
Responding to Mr Biden’s decision, Sir Keir Starmer said: “I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency.
“I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, President Biden will have made his decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people.”
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords endorses Harris
04:10
Gustaf Kilander
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the founder of the gun violence prevention organization bearing her name, said in a statement, “I am proud to endorse Kamala Harris’s historic candidacy for president of the United States.”
“Throughout her life, Vice President Harris has worked to protect the American people’s freedom and safety. I can think of no better candidate to beat Donald Trump and protect our democracy,” she added. “She will make a great president, and her strong, steadfast leadership will save lives. Mark and I will do everything we can to ensure she is elected in November.”
Joe Biden’s legacy ‘will rest in part on outcome of 2024 election’
03:50
Sam Hall
Joe Biden’s legacy will “rest in part” on the outcome of the presidential election campaign that has been energised by his withdrawal, an expert on American politics has said.
Leslie Vinjamuri, director of Chatham House’s US and Americas programme, said the “historic” moment had “unleashed energy into an election that for months had felt routine, and seen the lowest levels of enthusiasm among a worn-down electorate”.
Ms Vinjamuri, a professor of international relations at SOAS, said: “The President’s announcement has created the challenge of a generation for the Democratic Party – to identify and unite behind a new nominee, and running mate, and to drive confidence and enthusiasm among registered Democrats, and undecided voters, especially in swing states.
Second Gentleman thanks first couple ‘for their years of friendship and support'
03:40
Gustaf Kilander
The Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff took to X to thank the president and the first lady for “their friendship and support.”
“I am deeply grateful to @POTUS and @FLOTUS for their years of friendship and support. President Biden is a true patriot who leads our nation with honesty, decency, and integrity,” he wrote. “Alongside @VP, they have fought tirelessly for families and communities, delivering for Americans across our nation. I am so proud of their accomplishments and thankful for their leadership.”
Tennessee DNC delegation votes to back Harris
03:30
Gustaf Kilander
The Tennessee delegation to the Democratic National Convention announced on X on Sunday that they voted to back Harris for president.
During a meeting today, the Tennessee Delegation to the 2024 Democratic National Convention voted to support @KamalaHarris for President of the United States.
— Tennessee Democratic Party (@tndp) July 21, 2024
Democratic state party chairs overwhelmingly back Harris
03:20
Gustaf Kilander
On Sunday night, the majority of State Democratic Party chairs announced that they are backing Harris for president.
"I am proud that state party chairs, vice-chairs, and executive directors across the country are overwhelmingly uniting behind Vice President Kamala Harris,” the president of the Association of State Democratic Committees Ken Martin said in a statement on behalf of the 57 State Democratic Parties. “These state party leaders are on the front lines of winning elections at every level and know that the stakes of this election could not be higher. With our democracy on the ballot, there is no one more qualified than Vice President Harris to prosecute the case against Donald Trump.”
"Almost 15 million Democrats have already voted for Vice President Harris as a member of the Democratic ticket,” he added. “As President Biden's partner in the White House, Vice President Harris has been a cornerstone of this administration's extraordinary successes, and she is the most qualified candidate to continue that legacy and serve as president. As a Black woman and a South Asian American, she represents the diversity of our Democratic coalition and its future.”
“As we move forward, united, we will protect President Biden's legacy by ensuring we do everything in our power between now and November 5 to defeat Donald Trump, stop Trump's Project 2025, and elect Democrats up and down the ballot in every corner of this country,” he concluded.
The press release said that the “vast majority” of state party leaders voted to back Harris. While no one voted to oppose her, a few abstained “for in-state procedural reasons.”
Gretchen Whitmer joins Harris campaign staff call
03:12
Gustaf Kilander
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined a Harris campaign call on Sunday, according to Politico.
Whitmer, who is backing Harris, joined the call and endorsements rolled in supporting the vice president.
Michigan is seen as a state that Democrats have to win to have a chance to retain the White House.
Whitmer was one of Biden’s top surrogates alongside fellow governors Gavin Newsom of California and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, both of whom have endorsed Harris.
Shapiro spoke with Harris on Sunday in a separate call, the outlet noted.
Democrats applaud, Republicans fume as Joe Biden drops out to endorse Kamala Harris
03:10
John Bowden, Bel Trew
Washington erupted on Sunday as President Joe Biden reversed course after weeks of calls for him to drop out and announced that he would not be the nominee for the Democratic Party in 2024.
Statements from politicians on both sides of the aisle — some clearly having been prepared for days, if not weeks — poured in as the 81-year-old Biden said that he would bow to the wishes of Democrats who feared that his campaign was heading for a historic collapse which would have dragged down-ballot Democrats into defeat this fall.
Members of the president’s party applauded him and spoke glowingly of his legacy while Republicans, coming of their own nominating contest last week, called for him to step down as president immediately. Many also condemned their rivals for supposedly ignoring the will of the voters, who in actuality were never offered a real primary challenge to Biden this year.
Black US attorneys general endorse Harris
02:50
Gustaf Kilander
Six Black attorneys general issued a statement backing Harris, a former California attorney general, for president.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford said in a statement that “As District Attorney, Attorney General, Senator, and now Vice President, Kamala Harris has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting and expanding the rights of all Americans.”
They added: “She has fought fearlessly to support hardworking families, strong unions, accessible education, reliable infrastructure, and healthy communities.”
“She has staunchly defended our right to choose and preserved our most sacred right to vote. There is no one more qualified to lead and continue to uphold the values of our great nation,” they continued. “With tremendous gratitude to President Joseph R. Biden for years of selfless and dedicated service to our nation, we proudly endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States.”
New Hampshire Democratic convention delegates back Harris
02:40
Gustaf Kilander
The New Hampshire Democratic pledged convention delegates have endorsed Kamala Harris as the nominee for president.
With his decision today, President Biden has shown true selflessness and patriotism by passing the baton to the next generation and moving our party and nation forward. He has led one of the most successful administrations in history and he has dedicated his life to public service.
We are immensely grateful to President Biden and are proud to follow his lead and endorse Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.
Our endorsement reflects the sentiments of the historic number of Granite State voters who supported the Biden-Harris ticket in the 2024 NH Presidential Primary.
Kamala Harris will defeat the Trump-Vance ticket, their dangerous Project 2025 agenda, and will build upon the successes and values of the Biden-Harris Administration.
Vice President Kamala Harris is phenomenally qualified - she has served as a prosecutor, California’s Attorney General, a United States Senator, and as Vice President. She is a trailblazer, and she is not done in her service to our nation.
We look forward to the National Convention in August and the next 107 days of campaigning for Vice President Harris and Democrats up and down the ticket.
Bill and Hillary Clinton lead Dems endorsing Kamala (but Obama makes no mention of her in his statement)
02:30
Mike Bedigan
Bill and Hillary Clinton were quick to throw their weight behind Kamala Harris’s bid for the Democratic nomination, as party leaders rushed to endorse the vice president after Joe Biden’s historic announcement that he would be ending his re-election campaign.
“We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her,” their statement read.
Notably absent from the list of those quick to commend Harris was Barack Obama, who did not mention her in a lengthy statement honoring the president’s “remarkable career” and character. Harris has said she was “honored” to have Biden’s official endorsement on Sunday and vowed to “earn and win” the Democratic nomination.
More than $27.5m raised for Harris in first five hours
02:10
Gustaf Kilander
More than $27.5m has been raised for the Harris campaign in just the first five hours since it was announced that Biden is stepping aside and endorsing his vice president, according to ActBlue.
“Grassroots supporters are energized and excited to support her as the Democratic nominee,” the nonprofit said on X.
Buttigieg praises Biden, endorses Harris: ‘I will do all that I can to help her win this election'
01:45
Gustaf Kilander
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who ran in the 2020 primary against both Biden and Harris, said in a statement that “Joe Biden has earned his place among the best and most consequential presidents in our history.”
“Americans are much better off because of his leadership and accomplishments,” he added. “He always puts our country first, as he demonstrated today, and I know he will continue to do so for the rest of his term.”
“Kamala Harris is now the right person to take up the torch, defeat Donald Trump, and succeed Joe Biden as President,” Buttigieg said. “I have seen her extraordinary leadership firsthand, working closely with her during the 2020 campaign and then in the historically effective Biden-Harris administration. I will do all that I can to help her win this election to lead America forward as our next President.”
Majority of Democratic senators have now endorsed Harris
01:30
Gustaf Kilander
After Senators Bob Casey and Brian Schatz of Pennsylvania and Hawaii respectively announced their endorsements of Harris, a majority of Senate Democrats have now announced that they’re supporting her.
Twenty-six out of 51 members have now endorsed Harris. Fellow vulnerable incumbents, including Ohio’s Sherrod Brown and Nevada’s Jacky Rosen, have also backed Harris.
— Bob Casey Jr. (@Bob_Casey) July 21, 2024
CNN’s Van Jones cries on live TV after Biden drops out of presidential race
01:10
Lucy Leeson
CNN commentator Van Jones cried live on television following Joe Biden’s announcement to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election race.
Biden announced his decision to step down in a social media post on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday (21 July) and publicly endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris.
A visibly emotional Jones said: “You just cry, because this is someone that you love, this is somebody that you care about.
“This is somebody that was there for you. You wouldn’t be here without him.”
Merrick Garland says Biden ‘stands for the rule of law'
Monday 22 July 2024 00:50
Gustaf Kilander
Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement on Sunday night that “From the beginning of his tenure, President Biden has made clear in both word and deed that he stands for the rule of law and for the Justice Department’s critical mission to protect the safety and the civil rights of everyone in our country.”
“I am grateful for his leadership and for the enormous respect he has shown for the 115,000 public servants of the Justice Department over the past three and a half years,” he added. “As President Biden has noted, there is critical governing work to be done in the months ahead, and the Justice Department will continue to work tirelessly to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect civil rights on behalf of the American people.”
House Democratic leader reacts to Biden dropping out
Monday 22 July 2024 00:30
Gustaf Kilander
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised President Joe Biden during an appearance on MSNBC on Sunday.
“Joe Biden has been one of the most consequential presidents in American history,” he said. “He rescued the country from a once-in-a-century pandemic, saved the economy from the possibility of recession, and also, of course, was able to preserve our democracy by defeating the former president, the insurrectionist in chief and someone who wants to turn back the clock on the United States of America.”
He added: “He has put people over politics and patriotism over personal position. And this is another heroic act in a long-running series of heroic acts by Joe Biden on behalf of the American people from the moment he was first elected back in 1972 to the United States Senate.”
‘Possible’ Democratic candidates assessing state of race
Monday 22 July 2024 00:10
Gustaf Kilander
A number of possible Democratic presidential candidates are waiting to see how strongly the party coalesces around Vice President Kamala Harris, according to CNN’s Jake Tapper.
A bunch of *possible* Democratic presidential candidates are waiting to see how the next few hours go, and assessing the degree to which the Democratic Party coalesces around VP @KamalaHarris. (While also giving President Biden his day.)
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) July 21, 2024
Joe Manchin considering presidential bid: report
Monday 22 July 2024 00:02
Katie Hawkinson
Senator Joe Manchin, who called for Joe Biden to step down just hours before the president made his decision, may be considering a bid for the Democratic nomination, CNN reports.
The West Virginia senator was a Democrat for several years before declaring himself an Independent this year. The unnamed sources told CNN he would switch back to throw his name in the ring.
American Federation of Teachers endorses Harris
Sunday 21 July 2024 23:49
Katie Hawkinson
The American Federation of Teachers, a nationwide labor union, has endorsed Kamala Harris’ bid for the 2024 presidency.
“The @aftunion Exec. Council just voted to endorse @KamalaHarris for president, subject to ratification by delegates to the 2024 AFT convention,” AFT President Randi Weingarten wrote on X. “Harris is fighting to restore Roe, fighting for families, for student debt relief and is a powerful advocate for workers.”
The @aftunion Exec. Council just voted to endorse @KamalaHarris for president, subject to ratification by delegates to the 2024 AFT convention. Harris is fighting to restore Roe, fighting for families,for student debt relief and is a powerful advocate for workers. pic.twitter.com/b6wwuA9ZvT
— Randi Weingarten (@rweingarten) July 21, 2024
Pennsylvania Governor, rumored VP option endorses Harris
Sunday 21 July 2024 23:31
Katie Hawkinson
Governor Josh Shapiro, who is rumored to be one of Kamala Harris’ options for her running mate, endorsed the vice president’s bid for the Democratic candidacy.
“The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency,” Shapiro said.
Trump and Ivanka gave thousands to previous Kamala Harris campaigns – she says she gave the money to charity
Sunday 21 July 2024 23:14
Josh Marcus
With a potential Donald Trump versus Kamala Harris presidential race on the horizon, a forgotten chapter of their shared political history is resurfacing.
Between 2011 and 2013, Trump actually donated $6,000 to Harris’s campaigns, during her time as California attorney general, which spanned 2011 to 2017.
Ivanka Trump, Trump’s daughter, also gave $2,000 to Harris in 2014, according to records obtained by The Washington Post.
Read more:
Hunter and Biden family’s tribute to Joe: ‘Unconditional love has been his North Star as president and as parent’
Sunday 21 July 2024 23:10
Mike Bedigan
Hunter Biden penned an emotional tribute to his father on Sunday, saying that “unconditional love” has served as Joe Biden’s “North Star” during his time as president, following the stunning announcement on Sunday that he has put an end to his re-election campaign.
“He is unique in public life today, in that there is no distance between Joe Biden the man and Joe Biden the public servant of the last 54 years,” he wrote as tributes began to pour in for the president.
First lady Jill Biden and the president’s granddaughter Naomi were among the other Biden family members who spoke out in support of the president’s momentous decision, which comes after plummeting poll numbers and weeks of mounting pressure from prominent Democratic lawmakers and donors.
Watch: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. commends Biden for his ‘long, long’ career in public service
Sunday 21 July 2024 23:10
Katie Hawkinson
Aides only found out Biden was quitting campaign when they saw statement
Sunday 21 July 2024 23:04
Andrew Feinberg
After years spent working on his re-election campaign or in his White House, the vast majority of President Joe Biden’s official and campaign staff found out about his historic decision to stand down from the 2024 presidential race the same way most Americans did.
On their phones. From news outlets or by social media.
Biden, the first American president not to accept his party’s nomination for a second term since then-president Lyndon Johnson withdrew from contention ahead of the 1968 election, posted a letter to his “fellow Americans” announcing his decision at 1:46 pm on Sunday, just minutes after he informed senior White House aides in a phone call.
Read more:
Robert de Niro praises Biden, denounces Trump
Sunday 21 July 2024 22:58
Katie Hawkinson
Actor Robert de Niro, a vocal opponent of Donald Trump, praised Joe Biden in a recent statement.
“In an act of shrewd politics and selfless patriotism, Joe Biden is stepping aside to clear the path for another Democrat to become president...because there is nothing more important for our country than defeating Donald Trump at the ballot box. With respect, admiration, and affection, thank you Mr President!”
Harris campaign officials, allies already calling delegates: report
Sunday 21 July 2024 22:53
Katie Hawkinson
Kamala Harris’ campaign staffers, aides and allies are already calling delegates asking them to support her bid for the Democratic nomination, Reuters reports.
“A lot of people are working on it right now,” an unnamed source told the outlet. “She has made clear she will work to earn their support.”
Democratic state party chairs are holding a call this evening to discuss Joe Biden’s decision to leave the race, according to Reuters’ White House Correspondent Nandita Bose. Tennessee has already pledged 77 delegates for Harris, Bose reports.
The party’s nominee will be officially chosen at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, scheduled for August 19-22.
Learn more about the process of finding a new candidate from Eric Garcia and Gustaf Kilander:
Kamala Harris viral campaign ad attacking Donald Trump resurfaces after Biden drops out of 2024 presidential race
Sunday 21 July 2024 22:45
Katie Hawkinson