In a surprising announcement on social media platform X, President Joe Biden declared that he would not be seeking re-election in 2024, with the 81-year-old president stating his intention to focus on the remainder of his term and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee.

The announcement reportedly caught White House and campaign aides off guard, many of whom discovered the shocking news on X along with the public on Sunday, as the Daily Wire reports.

Biden Cites Priorities for Remainder of Term

President Biden had consistently assured the public and his party that he would continue his re-election campaign.

This promise was made even amid growing concerns from the Democratic establishment due to his performance in the most recent debate. Biden’s announcement on X was an abrupt shift from his previous assurances.

Vice President Kamala Harris confirmed her intention to seek the Democratic nomination following Biden’s statement. On the other hand, Biden's sudden decision was contrasted by a non-stop campaign effort, which saw a fundraising email sent mere minutes after his announcement.

According to POLITICO, the Biden decision seemed sudden, evidenced by his team still lobbying delegates for support on Sunday morning. This even occurred just 30 minutes before the official announcement, underscoring the unexpected nature of the withdrawal even within Biden's circle.

Aides, Delegates React to Announcement

A Democrat familiar with the campaign’s situation told POLITICO, “We’re all finding out by tweet. None of us understand what’s happening.” The shock extended beyond the campaign as many delegates were contacted for support moments before the news broke.

New York Times reporter Kenneth Vogel noted that campaign staffers were still advocating for Biden’s candidacy minutes before the broadcast. This discrepancy left some delegates puzzled, with one stating, "It's absolutely bonkers."

Biden relayed his decision in an open letter to Americans posted on his personal X account. The letter rapidly garnered over 185 million views within hours, illustrating the public’s strong interest in the sudden change of political plans.

President Worked Through Weekend on Decision

The letter conveyed Biden’s decision to end his re-election campaign, a move he had been discussing privately with adviser Steve Ricchetti and chief strategist Mike Donilon from Saturday afternoon into the night. The consultation reportedly did not extend to most of his staff until moments before the public announcement was made.

Despite the well-documented disarray within the White House and Biden campaign team following the announcement, Vice President Harris seemed prepared to step up to the plate. She affirmed her commitment to securing the Democratic nomination.

Musk's Influence and Endorsements

Adding another layer to the news, the platform X, previously known as Twitter, is owned by industrialist Elon Musk, who, now a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, had previously pledged substantial financial backing to a new super PAC supporting Trump’s return to office.

Musk’s connection to the platform and his endorsement of Trump in the wake of an assassination attempt at a campaign event in Pennsylvania have sparked conversations. Notably, the Wall Street Journal revealed Musk’s commitment of $45 million monthly to Trump’s super PAC.

Biden's direct communication with the public through X is significant, considering the platform's ownership and the political landscape. The use of such a medium for a major announcement highlights changing dynamics in political messaging.

The ramifications of Biden’s announcement are yet to fully unfold, with the Democratic Party potentially needing to navigate a changed landscape as it gears up for 2024. Vice President Harris will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of the party’s campaign.

Conclusion

Biden’s decision to end his 2024 campaign was a significant twist, delivered via social media without prior indication to his closest aides.

The president’s choice to focus on his current term and endorse Harris adds a new dimension to the upcoming electoral race. Meanwhile, the influence of X and its owner, Elon Musk, continues to intersect intriguingly with American politics.

Republicans will see whether these developments give their candidate an edge, as Democrats recalibrate their strategy for the upcoming elections. As the situation evolves, the political world watches closely.