Biden decides to drop out of debate after a tumultuous turn of events.
What began as a disappointing debate culminated in the suspension of an incumbent’s presidential campaign.
President Biden officially withdrew from the 2024 presidential race against former President Trump on Sunday. Here is a timeline detailing the downfall of Biden’s re-election campaign:
THE DEBATE
Biden faced off against Trump in the initial presidential debate on June 27, sparking immediate concerns within his party regarding his fitness. His raspy voice, struggles with coherence, and inability to complete sentences raised doubts about his capability as the commander in chief.
Despite attributing his performance to a cold, recent travel, and one “bad night,” Biden’s excuses failed to allay worries about his health status.
The concerns over his fitness and overall candidacy quickly dominated discussions on the campaign trail and within Capitol Hill – marking the initial decline of his campaign.
FIRST DEMOCRAT TURNS ON BIDEN
In a bid to shift the narrative, Biden reassured the public that he would not exit the race and “is here to stay.” However, his efforts proved futile.
Just days after the debate, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, became the first Democratic lawmaker to urge Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race, citing concerns about defeating Trump in November.
“Instead of bolstering voters’ confidence, the president failed to effectively showcase his achievements and counter Trump’s falsehoods,” Doggett stated. “I urge him to make the tough decision to step down.”
CALLS TO DROP OUT INCREASE
July 8 – Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash.: “Healthcare concerns were evident. Clarity was lacking at a recent White House press conference. At this juncture, others could deliver the message more effectively. The stakes are too high.”
July 9 – Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J.: “I understand the difficulty of this situation, but our nation has faced challenges in the pursuit of democracy since its inception. It’s time to do so again. Given President Biden’s commitment to our country’s future, I implore him to announce that he won’t seek re-election and assist us in transitioning to a new nominee.”
July 10 – Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., “We cannot overlook President Biden’s disastrous debate performance. The valid concerns raised are hard to ignore.”
July 12 – George Clooney: “We cannot secure victory in November with this president. Moreover, we risk losing the House and Senate. This is not just my view; it’s shared by every senator, congress member, and governor I’ve privately spoken to.”
Within a fortnight of the debate, nearly two dozen Democratic representatives had called for Biden’s replacement as the nominee.
THE GAFFES CONTINUE
In the crucial days post the initial presidential debate, President Biden made additional gaffes that amplified concerns about his mental acuity.
At the 2024 NATO Summit, he mistakenly introduced Russian President Putin instead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
During a press conference in July, when asked about Vice President Kamala Harris’ potential success as the Democratic nominee, Biden referred to Trump as his vice president.
Following an assassination attempt on Trump, Biden remarked, “In America, we resolve our differences at the battle box,” with the White House later amending the transcription to replace “battle” with “ballot.”
TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
Former President Trump survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, sustaining a gunshot wound to the ear while a rally attendee lost their life in the shooting.
On the same day, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., reportedly conveyed his caucus’s sentiments to President Biden during a face-to-face meeting in Delaware.
While Biden condemned the attack, his campaign experienced a brief respite following the incident, albeit the Democratic pressure for him to exit the race persisted.
BIDEN LOSES LEADERSHIP
Efforts to replace Biden as the nominee resurfaced, with reports suggesting that the president’s closest confidants in House and Senate leadership were urging him to contemplate stepping down from the race.
On July 17, prominent House Democrat and California Senate candidate Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., called for Biden’s withdrawal.
Former President Barack Obama purportedly informed his allies that he believed Biden should reassess his candidacy, as per sources briefed on his perspective by the Washington Post.
