Photo: Alamy
One year ago on July 21, 2024, Joe Biden formally withdrew his candidacy from the 2024 U.S. presidential election—the first incumbent to end their reelection campaign since Lyndon Johnson in 1968.
Biden initially launched his reelection campaign, even winning a majority of Democratic Party primary delegates. However, amid concerns about his age and health, along with his disastrous debate performance against President Trump, which severely lowered his polling numbers, the incumbent had essentially been forced to drop out.
At the debate, Biden gave confusing answers, sounded hoarse, lost his train of thought, and appeared aloof with his eyes wide open and mouth hanging.
Despite his historically abysmal performance, Biden remained steadfast in staying in the race, telling ABC News’s George Stephanopoulos shortly thereafter during an interview that he would not drop out of the race unless “the Lord Almighty [came] down and [told him] that.”
Even so, many Democrats expressed worry about Biden’s ability to serve out a second term, and win a general election against President Trump.
By the time he dropped out, more than 30 congressional Democrats, both House members and senators, called on Biden to suspend his candidacy.
Biden also did not help his case when he referred to Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump” during a press conference, sparking more concern among Americans and Party leaders.
Ultimately, the pressure was enough for Biden to end his campaign, as he announced his decision at the end of the month.
He announced the news via a post to X, explaining how he would “step aside” from reelection “in the best interest” of the Democrat Party and the country.
Minutes later, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who ultimately lost the general election by a decisive margin.
