Doug Burgum withdraws his 2024 presidential campaign, Internet says 'you would have been brilliant'

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN: North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has announced that he is withdrawing from the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination after failing to gain traction among voters.

The 67-year-old governor, who entered the presidential campaign in June, announced his withdrawal on Monday, December 4, 2023. “Today, we made the decision to suspend our campaign for the president of the United States,” the statement read.

“Our decision to run for President came from a place of caring deeply about every American and a mission to re-establish trust in America’s leadership and our institutions of democracy,” the statement stated.

“While this primary process has shaken my trust in many media organizations and political party institutions, it has only strengthened my trust in America,” it continued.

Additionally, he blasted the Republican National Committee for imposing debate rules that, in his view, nationalize the primary system and rob voters in Iowa and New Hampshire of their "power of democracy."

"The RNC’s clubhouse debate requirements are nationalizing the primary process and taking the power of democracy away from the engaged, thoughtful citizens of Iowa and New Hampshire," the former Republican candidate said.

"The RNC’s mission is to win elections," he continued, adding "It is not their mission to reduce competition and restrict fresh ideas by ‘narrowing the field’ months before the Iowa caucuses or the first in the nation New Hampshire primary. These arbitrary criteria ensure advantages for candidates from major media markets on the coasts versus America’s Heartland."

Doug Burgum’s presidential campaign

Launching his 2024 campaign in June, the conservative governor focused on national security, energy, and the economy while admonishing that China posed the "number one threat" to the United States.

Drawing on his experience as a former CEO of a software company and Microsoft executive, Burgum tapped into his small-town upbringing and business acumen.

He took part in both of the Republican primary debates, fulfilling the RNC's donation criteria by trading $1 contributions for $20 Biden Relief Cards, which poked fun at the rising cost of living under President Joe Biden's administration, according to Associated Press.

The tactic drew skepticism over its legality, though Burgum’s campaign said its legal advisers had reviewed and approved the method.

 

Millions of Burgum's personal funds were thrown into the contest. According to Federal Election Commission documents, he contributed $12.2 million of the $15.1 million his campaign raised between March and September.

However, he still failed to gain much traction against his rivals in a contest dominated by former President Donald Trump.

Internet reacts to Doug Burgum’s withdrawal from Presidential race

After Burgum’s statement surfaced on social media, many users praised him, stating that he would have been a “brilliant” president. “Sucks. You would have been brilliant,” one user said.

“You're an outstanding governor and would make an outstanding president,” the second user praised Burgum.

“I really appreciated your refreshingly optimistic view of tech and the opportunities it would bring. You’d be an awesome President!” a third user wrote.

“I am voting for Trump, but always thought you were the smartest guy in the running outside of Trump. I even donated to you to be able to be on the debate stage. I hope you get a spot in the Trump Administration. I like the smart ones who know how to run a business,” one user stated.

‘See you on the next run! You are a fine candidate!” another wrote.

“Thank you for throwing your hat in the ring and running an honorable campaign!” one more said.