Biden's Withdrawal: A Last-Minute Decision Under Pressure
President Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race was a surprise to many, including most of his own staff. The final hours leading up to his announcement were marked by intense pressure and a scramble to inform key players.
The Timeline:
- Saturday Afternoon: Biden, recovering from Covid at his vacation home, called in his closest advisers, Steve Ricchetti and Mike Donilon, to work on his withdrawal letter.
- Saturday Night: The three worked through the night, finalizing the letter while informing family and close aides.
- Sunday Afternoon: At 1:45 p.m., just a minute before posting his announcement on social media, Biden informed several of his advisers, including Anita Dunn, who manages communications strategy. He read the letter to them, thanking them for their service.
- 1:46 p.m.: Biden's withdrawal announcement was posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The Pressure:
Biden's decision was influenced by mounting pressure from top Democrats, donors, allies, and friends who were concerned about his recent performance in a debate, which was widely seen as lackluster and at times incoherent.
The Impact:
Biden's withdrawal sent shockwaves through the White House, with some staff members in shock, others crying, and others relieved. The official said that announcing on X allowed Biden to control the narrative and avoid leaks.
The Next Steps:
With Biden out of the race, Vice President Kamala Harris, who was endorsed by Biden, is now the leading candidate for the Democratic nomination. The race for the White House has taken a dramatic turn, and the implications are far-reaching.
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