President Biden made a significant announcement on Sunday, declaring he will not pursue re-election this November.

In his statement, Biden expressed his intention to concentrate on his current responsibilities as president, and the decision came as a surprise to many, including MSNBC host and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who reacted to the news live during her show, as Fox News reports.

President Biden's unexpected decision has generated widespread reactions and raised questions about the future of the Democratic party's leadership.

Following numerous calls from prominent Democrats, Biden announced he would "stand down" from the 2024 race. He shared a lengthy letter on social media, announcing the move.

"While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interests of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term," Biden wrote.

Psaki Reacts to the Unexpected News

Live on her MSNBC show, Inside with Jen Psaki, the former White House Press Secretary shared her surprise at the news. Psaki noted that even those close to Biden and his campaign had little indication that such a decision was imminent. "There's very little indication from people close to him and many people in the campaign that this was about to happen," Psaki said.

Psaki's reaction highlighted the general uncertainty surrounding the announcement. She mentioned speaking with Keisha Lance Bottoms, a senior advisor, who also had no prior knowledge of Biden’s decision. "I don’t think either of us had any indication," Psaki remarked during her show.

Psaki then reflected on Biden's presidency, lauding his achievements and personal character. "He has had such a tremendous presidency where he has overcome the odds and defied people’s expectations,” she said.

She credited Biden with passing an infrastructure bill, leading through COVID-19, and unifying nations. "He did all of those things and will continue to do those things,” Psaki added.

Biden Endorses Vice President Harris

In the wake of his announcement, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee. This endorsement aligns with his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and continued leadership within the Democratic party.

Harris’s potential candidacy now takes center stage in the upcoming election, bringing new dynamics to the race.

Psaki, who served under Biden for a year and a half, reflected on his personal virtues alongside his political accomplishments.

"He is a remarkable person, a remarkable president," she emphasized. Psaki expressed her respect and admiration for Biden's leadership and decision-making throughout his term.

MSNBC Host Dialogues with Senior Adviser

Further into her program, Psaki provided additional context by discussing the decision with administration member Keisha Lance Bottoms. Bottoms confirmed there was no forewarning from Biden’s camp about this monumental change.

This lack of indication adds a layer of mystery to the announcement. "We had not been given any official indication, even as of 10 minutes ago, that the decision had been made," said Psaki.

The news has not only reshaped the upcoming election's landscape but also opened discussions on Biden's legacy and the direction of the Democratic party. Psaki continued to process the announcement, sharing her live reactions with the audience.

Public Response and Forward-Looking Statements

Biden’s decision to step down resonates deeply within the political community and the nation. His presidency, marked by significant legislative achievements and crisis management, has set a benchmark for leadership during challenging times. As Biden focuses on "fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term," the emphasis shifts to how the current administration will navigate the final years of his presidency.

Jen Psaki's unexpected reaction underscores the surprising nature of this announcement, reflecting a broader sentiment of uncertainty and anticipation as the political landscape adjusts to this new development. The endorsement of Vice President Harris introduces discussions about continuity and change within the party.