In an unexpected revelation on The Daily Show, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg shared how he learned of President Joe Biden's decision to halt his reelection campaign through social media.

The departure of President Biden from the 2024 election race has catapulted Vice President Kamala Harris into the spotlight as the lead Democratic contender, and Buttigieg offered candid reflections on the decision made by the commander in chief and his family to effect the transition, as the Daily Mail reports.

President Joe Biden concluded his reelection campaign on July 21, in the wake of a challenging debate with Donald Trump. This move followed internal pressures and concerns within the Democratic Party about his campaign's viability.

Biden's Decision: A Shift in Democratic Leadership

With Biden stepping back, Harris has seamlessly transitioned into assuming the campaign infrastructure. Her new role positions her as the default Democratic frontrunner for the upcoming presidential election.

Rumors have swirled regarding the abrupt nature of Biden's decision, with some speculating about the influence of concerns over his cognitive abilities. These rumors have not been substantiated, but they have fueled discussions about transparency in leadership.

Buttigieg, while reportedly out of the running for Harris's vice-presidential pick, remains a crucial supporter. Harris's potential running mates now include prominent politicians Sen. Mark Kelly, Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Gov. Tim Walz.

The Impact of Harris's Ascension on Party Dynamics

Buttigieg praised Harris for embodying the continuity of the Biden-Harris administration while also bringing a refreshing energy that has ignited the Democratic base.

"Obviously, you know, she represents a lot of continuity with the values of the Biden-Harris campaign and the Biden-Harris administration, but also a different messenger, a different style, a different approach, and people are clearly really fired up and excited about it," Buttigieg stated.

Learning of Biden's campaign conclusion through social media was a jarring moment for Buttigieg, who received the news mid-flight from his husband, Chasten. "I found out the way everybody did," he shared, reflecting on the unexpected nature of the announcement.

Democratic Party Realigns as Election Approaches

After Biden's announcement, the Democratic Party has experienced a surge of new energy, according to Buttigieg. "And yeah, ever since, I think a lot of us, you know, our heads are spinning. So much has changed. But part of what's changed is this incredible energy that we have now," he commented.

The decision to end Biden's campaign was, according to the secretary, ultimately his own, despite rumors of external pressures. "No! I mean, that's the thing, right? It was his call, and he made that call," Buttigieg asserted, aiming to quell speculations of forced withdrawal.

Comparisons between the Republican and Democratic perspectives on candidate fitness have become a focal point, particularly regarding age and mental acuity.

Buttigieg pointed out concerns about Donald Trump's fitness, contrasting it with the youthful energy of Harris.

Concerns Over Leadership Fitness Dominate Political Discourse

"I'm pretty sure voters are worried about the age and acuity of President Trump compared to Kamala Harris, who represents being a generation younger," Buttigieg remarked, highlighting the generational difference as a significant factor in voter decision-making.

Despite the jokes and criticisms aimed at Trump by his detractors, who reference bizarre statements about electrocuting sharks and confusing politicians, Buttigieg noted that Trump's base remains unwavering.

"But unlike Republicans, right, who in Trump's personality cult will take a look at Donald Trump and say he's perfectly fine even though he seemed unable to tell the difference between Nikki Haley and Nancy Pelosi, even though he's rambling about electrocuting sharks and Hannibal Lecter, even though he is clearly older and stranger than he was when America first got to know him, they say he's strong as an ox, leaps tall buildings in a single bound," he criticized.

The shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party and the rising prominence of Vice President Kamala Harris mark a significant transformation in the political landscape as the 2024 election approaches. Buttigieg's candid reflections reveal both the challenges and the revitalized energy that now characterize the Democratic campaign.