Biden Withdraws from Reelection, Endorses Harris Amid Uncertainty!
WASHINGTON — In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he will not seek reelection in the upcoming presidential race, instead endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate. This decision sets the stage for a potentially contested Democratic National Convention, the likes of which have not been seen in decades.
A Call for Unity
Following Biden’s announcement, several Democratic delegates from Texas voiced their support for Harris. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, an El Paso Democrat and national co-chair of the Biden-Harris campaign, emphasized the need for unity within the party. “It’s now time to unite and rally behind our Vice President, Kamala Harris,” Escobar said in a statement. Escobar praised Harris for her primary campaign, in which she garnered 14 million votes, and underscored the urgency of defeating former President Donald Trump.
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, expressed his gratitude for Biden’s service and pledged his support for Harris, anticipating that the majority of Democrats would follow suit.
Biden’s Endorsement
Biden quickly took to social media to endorse Harris, calling his decision to select her as vice president “the best decision I’ve made.” He urged the party to come together behind Harris to defeat Trump in the upcoming election.
Calls for an Open Nominating Process
Despite the endorsements, some party members, including U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, called for an open convention. Doggett, who had previously urged Biden to step down, stated that while Harris is a leading candidate, the party should consider all qualified individuals. This sentiment reflects a desire for a democratic process in selecting the nominee, ensuring that the best candidate emerges to lead the party against Trump.
Texas Delegates’ Response
Texas, with its significant delegate count, plays a crucial role in the nomination process. All 12 of Texas’ Democratic members of Congress, who serve as delegates, have shown varying levels of support for Harris. Some, like Reps. Greg Casar, Lizzie Fletcher, and Marc Veasey, have quickly backed Harris. Veasey, in particular, had recently urged Biden to “pass the torch” to Harris, emphasizing her readiness for the job.
Others, however, like U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez, have not immediately signaled their support. Rep. Colin Allred of Dallas, who is running for U.S. Senate, has indicated his backing for Harris through a spokesperson.
Grassroots Support and Concerns
Grassroots delegates also weighed in on the decision. Angel Carroll, a national delegate, emphasized the need to rally around Harris as the best path forward. Passion Jackson, a delegate from Dallas, while saddened by Biden’s withdrawal, recognized Harris as the best candidate but expressed concerns about potential misogyny during the campaign.
Julio Salinas, another delegate, advocated for some discussion about the new nominee before the convention, although he acknowledged Harris as the favorite. Cathy Broadrick, a first-time delegate, immediately supported Harris, hoping to see the first female president in her lifetime.
Biden’s Decision and Political Implications
Biden’s decision comes after increasing pressure from Democratic lawmakers, donors, and strategists, particularly following a lackluster debate performance against Trump. Concerns about Biden’s age and mental acuity had been growing, culminating in calls for him to step aside. His decision marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first sitting president since Lyndon Johnson in 1968 to forgo a bid for reelection.
This move leaves Harris as the presumptive nominee, potentially making her the first Black and Asian American woman to run at the top of a major-party ticket. However, the path forward is fraught with challenges, as the party navigates the complexities of an open convention and the necessity of uniting behind a single candidate.
Reactions and Future Steps
Former President Trump, the Republican candidate, has already dismissed Harris as an easier opponent to defeat. Meanwhile, Democratic donors and supporters are beginning to rally around Harris, with significant financial backing signaling strong support.
The Democratic National Committee has yet to outline the exact process for the nominating convention, but DNC Chair Jaime Harrison assured a transparent and orderly process governed by established rules.
In her statement announcing her candidacy, Harris expressed her intention to earn and win the nomination, underscoring her commitment to lead the party in the fight against Trump’s agenda.
As the Democratic National Convention approaches, the party faces the critical task of ensuring a unified front to challenge Trump in the November election. The coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the Democratic campaign and setting the stage for a potentially historic election.
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