Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Biden ends White House re-election bid and endorses Harris

Biden expressed his “full support and endorsement” for Kamala Harris, and his campaign filed an official notice to change its name to “Harris for President.”

Biden ends White House re-election bid and endorses Harris

Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is dropping out of the US presidential election and endorsing vice president Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's new nominee.

Biden, 81, said that stepping down was in the "best interest of my party and the country" after facing pressure following a poor performance in a June debate against Donald Trump. Concerns about his age and mental fitness were heightened by this debate.


This decision creates new challenges for the Democrats ahead of the November 5 election. However, it also has the potential to revitalise the party, with Harris confirming her aim to become the first woman president and to "defeat Donald Trump."

Trump responded with posts on his Truth Social network, claiming that if Biden is not "fit to run" for president, he is also not "fit to serve."

The change will challenge the Republican campaign, which was focused on Biden. Now, it will feature 78-year-old Trump against a younger opponent.

Biden's withdrawal was anticipated by many. The announcement came without warning while he was recovering from Covid at his Delaware beach house.

In a letter posted on X, Biden called being president the "greatest honour of my life" and mentioned he would address the nation later in the week. The White House stated he had no public events scheduled for Monday.

"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 focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term," he wrote.

Soon after, Biden expressed his "full support and endorsement" for Harris, and his campaign filed an official notice to change its name to "Harris for President."

Endorsements for Harris quickly followed from prominent Democrats and potential rivals, such as California governor Gavin Newsom.

The Democratic fundraising group ActBlue reported that Harris received £36.2 million in small-donor contributions shortly after announcing her campaign, marking its "biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle."

'Unite our nation'

Democrats now need to confirm a new candidate at their party convention in Chicago on August 19.

Harris, the first Black and South Asian woman vice president in US history, commended Biden for his "selfless and patriotic act" and committed to "earn and win" the nomination.

Former President Barack Obama warned that "uncharted waters" lie ahead.

Biden's decision followed a period of isolation, with only a few family members and aides around him at his Rehoboth Beach home as he recovered from Covid.

First Lady Jill Biden reposted his statement with two hearts.

Trump's new running mate, JD Vance, emphasised that Harris had been with Biden, "the worst president in my lifetime," throughout his presidency.

'Mental decline'

Biden's exit caps a tense period in the US election, with Trump surviving an assassination attempt at a campaign rally on July 13 and Democrats debating Biden's future.

Biden is the first president in US history to drop out so late in an election race.

Biden resisted calls to step down for more than three weeks after the June 27 debate, where he struggled to maintain his train of thought.

Harris, initially struggling in the White House, performed well on key issues like abortion during the campaign.

Recently, the Biden campaign conducted a survey to compare Biden with Trump, who is a convicted felon.

Biden took office in January 2021, aiming to heal the "soul of America" after Trump’s term and the January 6 Capitol attack.

Despite criticisms over the Afghanistan withdrawal, inflation, and his support for Israel’s war in Gaza, Biden supported Ukraine against Russia’s 2022 invasion and passed significant Covid recovery and green industry plans. Concerns about his age, however, continued to grow.

(With inputs from AFP)

More For You

Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less