Here's why Biden quit 2024 race in last-minute bombshell move that left his team 'completely blindsided'
WASHINGTON, DC: Amid escalating tensions and an increasing chorus of voices urging him to step aside, President Joe Biden ultimately decided to withdraw from the race at the eleventh hour.
The decision, driven by dismal polling data and intense pressure from within his party, marked a dramatic turn in a tumultuous period for the Democratic Party.
Why did Joe Biden drop out of 2024 presidential race
While isolating with Covid-19 at his $3.4 million holiday home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Biden's close-knit inner circle presented him with alarming polling data. The data starkly indicated that he could no longer beat Donald Trump in the race. This revelation spurred the drafting of a letter urging Biden to step down for the sake of the Democratic Party’s future.
Financial backers had begun withdrawing millions of dollars in support, and the list of Democrats advocating for his withdrawal grew daily. Polls reflected a grim reality, exacerbated by a poor debate performance, which diminished his chances against Trump.
In this pressured atmosphere, Jill Biden stood by her husband, offering support regardless of his decision. A spokeswoman for the First Lady stressed that it was ultimately the President's judgment alone that led to the decision.
She remarked, "Down to the last hours of the decision only he could make, she (Jill Biden) was supportive of whatever road he chose. She’s his biggest believer, champion, and always on his side, in that trusted way only a spouse of almost 50 years can be."
Joe Biden's final decision
The pivotal moment came when Biden called upon two long-time advisers, Steve Ricchetti and Mike Donilon, who had stood by him since his political career's inception. Their presence, along with closest aides Annie Tomasini and Anthony Bernal, created an intimate setting for the crucial discussion.
Ricchetti and Donilon presented the latest internal campaign polls, revealing Biden's diminishing chances against Trump. The data was sobering and prompted Biden to decide soon after, instructing his staff to draft a letter and initiate the public announcement process.
Biden’s decision was shared with his family first. He had previously stated he would only step aside if polling showed Kamala Harris faring better against Trump or if a medical condition arose. Ultimately, the polling data compelled him to withdraw. Biden went to bed that night, knowing the announcement would come the next day.
At 1.45 pm he began informing his senior staff at the White House and the campaign, having already told Vice President Kamala Harris and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. At 1.46 pm, Biden’s campaign account posted his withdrawal letter while he was still on a staff call.
The news shocked many within his team, who learned about the decision online. A campaign staffer voiced their frustration to the Daily Mail, saying, "No one had a heads up before the tweet posted. Which, to me, is an insane way to treat the 1300 people that work for you on the campaign."
However, this capped a chaotic 48 hours for the Biden family, who, supported by a small circle of trusted aides, faced the mounting pressures head-on.
Handling the aftermath of Joe Biden's move to quit 2024 race
The decision to withdraw was met with a mixture of relief and surprise among the staff. Almost 40 Democratic lawmakers had already called for Biden’s exit, with major donors threatening to pull support. High-profile figures like George Clooney and Barack Obama were reportedly involved in the behind-the-scenes efforts to encourage Biden to step down.
Despite the necessity, a Democratic aide acknowledged the abruptness of the decision. "It needed to happen. But he kinda just dropped a bomb. Like it's not surprising but it's shocking," they told the Daily Mail.
Campaign Chair Jen O'Malley Dillon reassured staff in a 5 pm ET call, acknowledging the difficulty for those who learned the news while working. She said it was "hard for staff who may have gotten the news while they were working or door knocking, but it was important for the president to hear from him in his own words."
That said, White House officials defended the manner of the announcement, with one official stating it was made at the "last minute." By keeping the decision within a tight circle, the news didn’t leak and was released on Biden’s terms.
