What Biden's exit from US presidential race means for Harris, Trump

NEW DELHI : US President Joe Biden on Sunday withdrew from the 2024 presidential race. This paves the way for the Democratic Party to pick a nominee at its convention next month. Mint examines the implications of Biden’s decision:

Pressure was mounting on Biden to step down since 27 June when he and the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump appeared in a TV debate. Biden’s faltering performance sparked a furious debate over his mental acuity. Recent news reports suggested that former president Barack Obama, an influential voice in the Democratic Party, was among those involved in discussions to get Biden to withdraw. Another colleague, former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi, too, had been trying to persuade Biden to step back from the presidential race. The worry was that Biden's staying on could cost the Democrats not only the White House but also the chance to control either chamber of Congress. Biden’s announcement recalled another by President Lyndon B. Johnson in March 1968 who also declined a second term. Biden has said he would remain president and commander-in-chief until his term ends in January 2025. He is to address the nation this week.

Soon after Biden announced his exit from the race for the White House, he endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris to stand against former US President Trump. Biden’s decision to back his vice president gives Harris a clear edge to replace Biden as the Democratic Party nominee for the November polls. Harris, 59, said she was "honoured" to be endorsed, adding she would "earn and win this nomination" and unite the country against Trump. "We have 107 days until election day," she said. "Together, we will fight. And together, we will win." While Harris has been picking up