Report Details Biden Decision
Let’s talk about the latest twist in the political saga that has everyone buzzing: President Joe Biden’s sudden decision to end his reelection bid. For 23 days, Biden stood firm against mounting pressure from Democratic lawmakers and donors urging him to step aside. But then, in a dramatic turn of events, everything changed almost overnight.
Early Saturday, Biden was still telling his senior aides it was “full steam ahead” for the campaign. However, by that evening, following a long discussion with his closest aides, Steve Ricchetti and Mike Donilon, Biden had a change of heart. Ricchetti, a longtime ally from Biden's Senate days, and Donilon, who had been by Biden's side during his previous runs for the presidency, presented new, damning information during a crucial meeting. Despite testing positive for Covid, they made the trip to Biden’s house on the Delaware shore.
Their message was clear: the path to victory in November was gone. They shared concerns from lawmakers, updates on dwindling fundraising efforts, and campaign polls showing Biden trailing in all six critical swing states. The reality was stark, and Biden asked several questions, digesting the harsh truths presented to him.
By Sunday, with only his wife, Jill Biden, and a few trusted aides by his side, Biden made his decision. At 1:45 p.m., he notified his closest aides of his plan to step down and posted a historic letter from his campaign account on the social media platform X, taking the political world by storm.
The announcement flipped the narrative around Biden. After weeks of private criticism, Democrats quickly shifted to showering him with praise, acknowledging his record, career of public service, and his selfless decision to put the country first. It wasn’t fatigue from the pressure that drove Biden’s decision, but rather a recognition that he could not win.
The campaign’s recent battleground polling had been grim, showing Biden not just trailing but collapsing in key states. Facing the reality of more party elders publicly pressuring him to step aside, Biden saw an opportunity to exit on his own terms. This decision was especially important to Jill Biden, who was adamant about preserving her husband's dignity.
Behind the scenes, senior aides like Ricchetti and Donilon had been holdouts, believing Biden could still win. However, the new data was undeniable. Other senior aides, such as Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and Senior Adviser Anita Dunn, had privately expressed the need for a new direction, though they publicly supported Biden.
The sudden decision left many in Biden’s inner circle and campaign staff shocked. Even as late as Saturday night, some senior aides insisted that Biden was determined to stay in the race. But by then, the plan for Biden’s exit was already in motion.
The announcement led to an outpouring of emotions from White House and campaign staff, many of whom believed Biden was a great president and were saddened by his decision. Yet, most agreed it was the right move.
Biden’s initial announcement did not mention endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, leading to a flurry of panic and clarification. Shortly after, Biden confirmed his support for Harris, prompting Democratic lawmakers to rally behind her as the party’s presidential nominee.