Wed. Nov 6th, 2024
alert-–-biden-drops-out-live:-barack-obama-releases-lengthy-statement-but-does-not-endorse-kamala-harrisAlert – Biden drops out LIVE: Barack Obama releases lengthy statement but does not endorse Kamala Harris

Joe Biden has dropped out of the 2024 presidential race in a seismic decision after weeks of pressure from Democrats and allies.

The President, whose ailing health and age has become a bone of contention during the campaign, announced that he will no longer be standing on Sunday afternoon.

Follow along to DailyMail.com’s live blog for all the latest updates from the fallout from the extraordinary move 

19:50

Former President Obama releases lengthy statement praising Biden as he exits race

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden fist bumps former U.S. President Barack Obama after signing an executive order

Former President Obama released a lengthy statement on his former Vice President Joe Biden exiting the presidential race.

He noticably did not mention Vice President Kamala Harris in is statement:

Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded — again — that he’s a patriot of the highest order.

Sixteen years ago, when I began my search for a vice president, I knew about Joe’s remarkable career in public service. But what I came to admire even more was his character — his deep empathy and hard-earned resilience; his fundamental decency and belief that everyone counts.

Since taking office, President Biden has displayed that character again and again. He helped end the pandemic, created millions of jobs, lowered the cost of prescription drugs, passed the first major piece of gun safety legislation in 30 years, made the biggest investment to address climate change in history, and fought to ensure the rights of working people to organize for fair wages and benefits. Internationally, he restored America’s standing in the world, revitalized NATO, and mobilized the world to stand up against Russian aggression in Ukraine.

More than that, President Biden pointed us away from the four years of chaos, falsehood, and division that had characterized Donald Trump’s administration. Through his policies and his example, Joe has reminded us of who we are at our best — a country committed to old-fashioned values like trust and honesty, kindness and hard work; a country that believes in democracy, rule of law, and accountability; a country that insists that everyone, no matter who they are, has a voice and deserves a chance at a better life.

This outstanding track record gave President Biden every right to run for re-election and finish the job he started. Joe understands better than anyone the stakes in this election — how everything he has fought for throughout his life, and everything that the Democratic Party stands for, will be at risk if we allow Donald Trump back in the White House and give Republicans control of Congress.

I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight. For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life. But I know he wouldn’t make this decision unless he believed it was right for America. It’s a testament to Joe Biden’s love of country — and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow.

We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges. I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August. And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.

For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times — and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on.

02:39

Trump says Biden will 'wake up and forget he dropped out of the race'… and claims he never had COVID

Donald Trump continued to mock Joe Biden hours after he dropped out of the presidnential race.

The former president claimed the 81-year-old would ‘forget’ he dropped out when he wakes up on Monday and accused him of lying about his COVID diagnosis.

02:32

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responds to her boss dropping out

02:22

Frank Biden says older brother Joe dropped out of the race because of his health

President Joe Biden’s youngest brother said Sunday that he believed the 81-year-old was bowing out of the race due to health concerns.

Frank Biden made comments to both CBS and ABC News, telling CBS ‘in my humble opinion absolutely’ the president’s health was part of Biden’s decision to announce that he wouldn’t run for reelection – endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in the process.

‘Selfishly, I will have him back to enjoy whatever time we has left,’ Frank Biden told CBS.

He also told ABC News that the decision ‘boils down’ to Biden’s ‘overall health and vitality’ but also ‘beating this genuine threat to our nation in the form of Donald Trump.’

But a Biden family source poured very hot water on Frank’s claims. ‘Frank Biden suffers from alcoholism and hasn’t spoken to his brother in weeks,’ the source told CBS. ‘What he said … is completely untrue.’

02:07

AOC breaks silence and endorses Kamala Harris despite warning days ago about 'enormous peril' if Biden forced to drop out of the 2024 race

After fiercely supporting President Joe Biden’s reelection bid, Progressive ‘Squad’ leader Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has broken her silence, throwing her full support behind VP Kamala Harris.

President Biden’s shocking announcement Sunday seemed to tee up Harris to neatly assume the campaign he left behind. Biden even endorsed her to take the Democratic presidential nomination.

Harris, who had one of the most progressive records during her time in the Senate, has been lauded and endorsed by AOC’s Squad allies like Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Cori Bush, D-Mo.

AOC, who just last Thursday went to bat for Biden during a late-night Instagram livestream decrying the ‘enormous peril’ posed by replacing the president atop the ticket, walked that back and pledged her full support for Harris after Joe jumped out of the 2024 race this afternoon.

02:00

Biden mega donor says he WON'T fundraise for Kamala Harris in explicit tweets

Biden mega donor John Morgan has emphatically stated he will not be fundraising for Kamale Harris.

Morgan, who describes himself as a ‘Biden/Manchin type Dem’ said he doesn’t think Harris stands a chance against Donald Trump in November.

He stated five candidates that he says would ‘win’: Senator Joe Manchin, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshar, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Michelle Obama.

He then laid out his argument in a series of explicit posts on X.

Joe Biden’s endorsement of Kamala is his f*** you to all who pushed him out

Be careful what you wish for.

You have to be enthusiastic or hoping for a political appointment to be asking friends for money. I am neither.

It’s others turn now.

The donors holding the 90 million can release those funds in the morning.

It’s all yours.

You can keep my million. And good luck.

01:54

Maryland Governor Wes Moore to endorse Harris for president on Monday

Maryland Governor Wes Moore will endorse Kamala Harris for president, making him the latest in a series of prominent Democrats to rally behind the vice president.

A source familiar with the governor’s thinking tells DailyMail.com that the governor will make the endorsement on Monday.

FILE - Maryland Gov. Wes Moore speaks during a visit to SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club with President Joe Biden, on May 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is scheduled to sign an executive order to issue 175,000 pardons for marijuana convictions at a news conference on Monday morning, June 17, 2024, a newspaper reported. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

01:52

White House releases Kamala Harris' Monday schedule

Kamala Harris will make remarks at the White House at 11:30am on Monday celebrating the National Collegiate Athletic Association championship teams.

It will be the first public remarks since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her as the candidate.

00:45

Biden family source blames brother's 'alcoholism' after Frank said 81-year-old bowed out due to health concerns

President Joe Biden’s brother Frank told CBS News that ‘in my humble opinion absolutely’ the 81-year-old dropped out of the 2024 race due to health concerns.

But his statement almost immediately got slapped down by a source close to the Biden family.

‘Frank Biden suffers from alcoholism and hasn’t spoken to his brother in weeks,’ the source told the network. ‘What he said … is completely untrue.’

The youngest Biden brother also spoke to ABC News, saying that the president’s decision ‘boils down’ to his ‘overall health and vitality’ but also ‘beating this genuine threat to our nation in the form of Donald Trump.’

00:41

South Carolina Democrats endorse Kamala Harris and give her all delegates

00:33

Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle releases statement amid calls to resign over Trump shooting

Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle released a statement on Sunday night reaffirming her commitment to cooperate with the investigation into the attempted assassination on Donald Trump.

Cheatle insisted she will not be stepping down and said she was ‘eager’ to cooperate with the independent review.

We are eager to cooperate with the independent security review of the U.S. Secret Service’s actions related to the July 13 assassination attempt of former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

I look forward to the panel examining what happened and providing recommendations to help ensure it will never happen again.

The U.S. Secret Service is continuing to take steps to review our actions internally and remain committed to working quickly and transparently with other investigations, including those by Congress, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General.

The U.S. Secret Service has a no-fail mission, and I will take every necessary step to ensure the safety and security of our protectees – and that the U.S. Secret Service emerges from this stronger.

00:26

AOC breaks silence and endorses Kamala after warning about 'enormous peril' if Biden forced to drop out of the 2024 race

00:25

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy endorses Kamala Harris

00:03

Pete Buttigieg endorses Kamala Harris

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, another name touted as a replacement for Joe Biden, has endorsed Kamala Harris.

Buttigieg ran for president in 2020 and is on the list of Democrats considered a future nominee.

00:00

Trump world can't believe its luck: The Democrats are in disarray days after Republicans united behind their man

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - JULY 20: Republican Presidential nominee, former US President Donald J. Trump holds his first public campaign rally with his running mate, Vice Presidential nominee U.S. Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) (not pictured), at the Van Andel Arena on July 20, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  This is also Trump's first public rally since he was shot in the ear during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania on July 13. Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Trump’s top team has for weeks insisted that Joe Biden was the candidate they wanted to face. His gaffes and bumbling frailty were a gift to attack ads and an online army of meme warriors.

That was until he dropped out.

Not they can’t believe their luck. In private messages fired between phones they can barely contain their glee.

Kamala Harris will be an easy mark, they believe, with even worse approval numbers than Biden.

And her closeness to him means they can quickly repurpose their Biden attack ads, hitting Harris on inflation and immigration.

Alex Pfeiffer, of the Trump-supporting MAGA Inc super PAC, said Harris had been a co-conspirator in Biden’s failed policies and had covered up

She shares the blame for this with Joe Biden. She was really the one in charge.

When the decision came from Biden, insiders said there was little shock or surprise. It had seemed increasingly inevitable that the president would not seek reelection.

But what delighted them was the way the Democrats have been plunged into chaos days after Republicans gathered in Milwaukee to make Trump their official nominee.

And that they didn’t pick a tougher candidate to beat.

23:59

White House releases Biden's schedule after he dropped out and as he battles COVID

23:40

Gavin Newsom endorses Kamala Harris: California Governor considered top Biden replacement takes his name out of 2024 running by backing VP

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination following Biden’s bowing out of the race.

The surprise endorsement comes just hours after Joe Biden made the shocking announcement that he would no longer seek reelection.

Biden endorsed Harris shortly after dropping out and since then questions have swirled over who will be named the Democratic nominee.

‘Tough. Fearless. Tenacious. With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump’s dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than America’s Vice President,’ Newsom posted on X Sunday evening hours after Biden dropped out.

23:31

Joe Biden's decision to bow out was 'last minute,' blindsided campaign staff

DailyMail.com reports on the behind-the-scenes drama as President Joe Biden dramatically dropped out of the presidential race Sunday – 24 days after his disastrous debate performance in Atlanta.

23:30

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (and possible running mate) says Harris 'has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump'

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is spoken of as a possible running mate for Harris, if she goes down what some strategists have called the ‘boring white guy’ route.

He tweeted out his support for her on Sunday evening and promised to campaign for her in his state, which could be one of the crucial areas.

Other prominent Democrats mentioned as possible VP picks are: Former astronaut and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.

23:26

Sen. Joe Manchin floats becoming a Democrat again so he can run for president

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 11: U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV) leaves the U.S. Capitol for a private meeting between Senate Democrats and U.S. President Joe Biden's senior advisors Mike Donlion, Steve Richetti and campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee on July 11, 2024 in Washington, DC. The party leadership is facing mounting pressure to strengthen its control over members, amidst varying levels of support for President Biden's bid for re-election. (Photo by Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images)

Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin is thinking about re-registering as a Democrat and throwing his name into the ring for the party’s presidential nomination, DailyMail.com confirmed.

Manchin was already set to retire early next year, with West Virginia’s Republican Gov. Jim Justice most likely to take his Senate seat.

He left the Democratic Party in May.

Manchin floated a test balloon for the Democratic nomination on the heels of President Joe Biden announcing he’ll exit the race.

Biden already endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

Manchin and now independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema played the role of key swing votes in the U.S. Senate during Biden’s tenure, despite the Democrats having control of the upper chamber.

23:14

Georgia poll has Trump leading Harris

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll released Sunday shows former President Donald Turmp has an edge in Georgia over Vice President Kamala Harris.

The survey found that 51 percent of Georgia voters would select Trump and 46 percent would choose Harris.

The poll was conducted ahead of Sunday’s shock announcement that President Joe Biden was bowing out of the race, endorsing Harris on his way out the door.

23:00

2024 will now be the first presidential election since 1976 without a Bush, Clinton or Biden on the ticket

Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential election has had a huge impact on political dynasties that have been a feature of the race for decades.

This will now be the first general election since 1976 without a Bush, Clinton ot Biden on one of the party’s tickets.

22:51

Cabinet members react: Secretary of State Antony Blinken praises Biden's 'historic accomplishments'

Joe Biden’s Secretary of State Antony Blinken was among the cabinet members who praised the president’s record after he dropped out of the race.

He also said he looks forward to ‘building on that record over the next six months’, suggesting he doesn’t see Biden resigning office.

22:50

AOC still silent after ranting days ago that 'elites'

Two days ago, as another onslaught of Democrats calls for President Biden to step aside, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez insisted that they don’t want to just replace Joe, they want to get rid of Vice President Kamala Harris too.

In a late night screed on Instagram live, the New York Democrat said it is ‘horse s***’ that Democrats are giving anonymous quotes to journalists about how they don’t believe Biden can win the election.

‘If that’s your opinion, and if that’s what you think is best for the country, put your name on it, okay?’ she said. ‘That’s a bunch of horse s***.’

But since Biden announced Sunday he’d be stepping down from the reelection bid, AOC has remained silent.

22:36

Breaking:Vice President Harris gets backing of first state delegation with Tennessee delegates supporting her nomination

The delegates from the state of Tennessee are unanimously backing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee, a source confirms to DailyMail.com.

The move comes just hours after President Biden announced he was exiting the race less than a month before thousands of delegates were set to vote for him as the nominee.

Biden endorsed Harris to replace him at the top of the ticket.

Tennessee has 70 delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

22:22

Governor Josh Shapiro endorses Kamala Harris for president

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro react during a visit to the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 13, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Mohatt/File Photo

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for president. The battleground state governor has been floated as a potential running mate on the Democratic presidential ticket.

‘I’ve known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades – we’ve both been prosecutors, we’ve both stood up for the rule of law, we’ve both fought for the people and delivered results. Kamala Harris is a patriot worthy of our support and she will continue to work for generations of Americans who came before us to perfect our union, protect our democracy, and advance real freedom,’ he said in a statement.

‘She has served the country honorably as Vice President and she is ready to be President.’

He said the best path forward for the Democratic Party is to ‘quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency.’

Shapiro vowed he would do everything he can to help elect Harris as the next president.

22:21

Trump demands second presidential debate be held on Fox News

Former President Donald Trump demanded Sunday that the second presidential debate – which is slated to be broadcast on ABC News on September 10 – be held on the conservative Fox News Channel instead.

The Republican nominee said that ABC ‘the home of George Slopadopolus’ was too liberal.

‘Now that Joe has, not surprisingly, has quit the race, I think the Debate, with whomever the Radical Left Democrats choose, should be held on FoxNews, rather than very biased ABC,’ Trump said.

ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, a Clinton White House staffer, conducted the first sit-down interview with President Joe Biden after his disastrous debate performance late last month.

Stephanopoulos asked Biden a number of questions about his debate performance and his overall health – an interview that didn’t improve the Democrat’s tenuous political standing after the Atlanta showdown.

Biden announced Sunday afternoon that he would not seek reelection.

22:05

Democrats raised more than $15 MILLION in less than three hours after Biden dropped out

By Sarah Ewall-Wice, Senior U.S. Political Reporter

Democrats are seeing a flood of grassroots donations and big donors reaching out after President Biden dropped out of the presidential race Sunday afternoon in a stunning move. He said it was in the best interest of the Democratic party and the nation.

In an hour after Biden released his bombshell announcement, Democrats brought in more than $5 million in donations, according to tracking on ActBlue.

By the end of three hours Sunday afternoon, the avalanche of donations had climbed to nearly $16 million online and more cash was still coming in. In 20 minutes alone, another $1 million was raised on Sunday evening.

Big donors told DailyMail.com on Sunday that there has been a flood of outreach from others wanting to get in and help raise money for the Democratic ticket.

21:53

Hunter thanks dad Joe in moving statement

*** BESTPIX *** TOPSHOT - US President Joe Biden hugs his son Hunter Biden upon arrival at Delaware Air National Guard Base in New Castle, Delaware, on June 11, 2024, as he travels to Wilmington, Delaware. A jury found Hunter Biden guilty on June 11 on federal gun charges in a historic first criminal prosecution of the child of a sitting US president. The 54-year-old son of President Joe Biden was convicted on all three of the federal charges facing him, CNN and other US media reported. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

Hunter Biden released a statement on his father. He is currently in Los Angeles with wife Melissa Cohen.

For my entire life, I’ve looked at my dad in awe. How could he suffer so much heartache and yet give so much of whatever remained of his heart to others?

Not only in policies he passed but in the individual lives he’s touched. Over a life time I have witnessed him absorb the pain of countless everyday Americans who he’s given his personal phone number to, because he wanted them o call him when they were hurting.

When their last hopes were slipping through their hands. That unconditional love has been his North Star as president, and as a parent.

He is unique in public life today, in that there is no distance between Joe Biden the man and Joe Biden the public servant of the last 54 years. I’m so lucky every night I get to tell him I love him, and to thank him. I ask all Americans to join me tonight in doing the same.

Thank you, Mr. President. I love you, Dad.

21:43

John Kerry says Biden 'achieved a domestic agenda unseen since the New Deal'

Former Secretary of State John Kerry, President Joe Biden’s climate envoy, said that the 81-year old ‘achieved a domestic agenda unseen since the New Deal’ as he applauded the decision Sunday to bow out of the 2024 race.

‘I know how difficult today’s selfless decision must have been for someone who spent his entire life in service to country,’ Kerry said on a post on X.

Kerry was the Democratic nominee in 2004 and lost the election to Republican President George W. Bush. He served as former President Barack Obama’s secretary of State after Hillary Clinton left the job.

He was an early Biden supporter during the 2020 cycle and campaigned for him in early primary states.

21:27

Republicans to take action on Kamala Harris as 'failed border czar' tomorrow

House Republicans will be back in the Capitol tomorrow and plan to take action against the new Democrat frontrunner.

House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., says she will introduce a resolution ‘condemning Kamala Harris’ role as Joe Biden’s ‘border czar.”

It’s the first public action planned by Republicans who are going all-in on fighting the Democrat’s top contender for the nomination.

21:17

Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett slams 'geniuses' who pushed Biden out

21:16

Biden's decision to stand aside means Trump is no longer the candidate of change

FILE PHOTO: Democratic Party presidential candidate U.S. President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate former U.S. President Donald Trump speak during a presidential debate in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., June 27, 2024 in a combination photo. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo

From Rob Crilly, Chief U.S. Political Correspondent

President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection has upended the race at a stroke, forcing the Trump campaign to scramble as it gets to grips with a new opponent and to find ways to present a candidate that is now the oldest presidential nominee in history.

Perhaps most importantly, the Democratic candidate will now not be an incumbent. They will be from a younger generation,

The election will not be fought by two old white men. And the same two old white men from four years ago at that.

And, if the anti-incumbent wave that swept through Europe is repeated here, it could give the Democrats a helping hand.

Trump, at the age of 78, will no longer be the change candidate. And every verbal stumble or gaffe will be under greater scrutiny now that he isn’t up against an older opponent.

The Democrats may be in chaos, but Biden has handed them a lifeline.

21:15

Georgia Democratic senator backs Kamala Harris for president

21:10

Vice President Kamala Harris makes it official informing the FEC she's running for president

Vice President Kamala Harris made it official that she’s running for president.

She filed Sunday with the Federal Election Commission that she was no longer running for vice president but is seeking the presidency.

21:00

Only Democrat to beat Biden in a primary race applauds president's decision to step aside

The only Democrat who beat President Joe Biden in a primary race applauded his decision to step down Sunday afternoon.

Jason Palmer shockingly beat Biden in America Samoa’s caucus on Super Tuesday in early March.

At the time he urged the 81-year-old to pass the torch to the next generation.

On Sunday he called it the ‘ultimate expression’ of patriotism.

20:58

TIME Magazine releases new cover after Biden withdrew from presidential race

Image of Time Magazine cover for Aug 5 2024

20:58

The world reacts to Joe Biden quitting the 2024 presidential race: Israeli President says Biden symbolizes the 'unbreakable bond between our two people' while Ireland's Taoiseach calls him a 'voice for reason'

The world has reacted to President Joe Biden’s decision to pull out of the 2024 presidential election, with Israel’s PM leading the praise.

The 81-year-old stepped aside after facing weeks of questions over his fitness to serve following his disastrous presidential debate performance that sparked a series of fumbles he could not recover from.

His historic move comes 24 days after the debate and following a 50-year career in politics that culminated in his ascension to the White House.

Biden, a long-time supporter of Israel, was congratulated by the nation’s prime minister.

Isaac Herzog said of Biden in a post to X: ‘I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Joe Biden for his friendship and steadfast support for the Israeli people over his decades-long career.

20:57

Scenes from outside Kamala Harris' residence in Washington D.C.

An American flag is seen at the Naval Observatory, the official residence of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, after U.S. President Joe Biden announced he is stopping his bid for reelection, in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 21, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Mohatt

A sign is placed in front of the U.S. Naval Observatory, where Vice President Kamala Harris lives, Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Washington. She's already broken barriers, and now Harris could soon become the first Black woman to head a major party's presidential ticket after President Joe Biden's ended his reelection bid. The 59-year-old Harris was endorsed by Biden on Sunday, after he stepped aside amid widespread concerns about the viability of his candidacy. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Barricades are up in front of the U.S. Naval Observatory, where Vice President Kamala Harris lives, Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Washington. She's already broken barriers, and now Harris could soon become the first Black woman to head a major party's presidential ticket after President Joe Biden's ended his reelection bid. The 59-year-old Harris was endorsed by Biden on Sunday, after he stepped aside amid widespread concerns about the viability of his candidacy. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A sign is placed in front of the U.S. Naval Observatory, where Vice President Kamala Harris lives, Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Washington. She's already broken barriers, and now Harris could soon become the first Black woman to head a major party's presidential ticket after President Joe Biden's ended his reelection bid. The 59-year-old Harris was endorsed by Biden on Sunday, after he stepped aside amid widespread concerns about the viability of his candidacy. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

20:56

Trump allies hammer 'enabler' Harris

From Rob Crilly, Chief U.S. Political Correspondent

The Trump attack dogs are out in force. David Urban is close to the former president and his line about Kamala Harris being an ‘enabler’ of Biden and his decline is similar to other attacks by Trump allies.

The strategy is clear. Biden is standing aside but they want Harris to take plenty of collateral damage in the meantime.

20:45

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says Kamala Harris is 'complicit' in Biden health cover-up

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis – a failed 2024 GOP candidate – blasted Vice President Kamala Harris claiming she was ‘complicit’ in covering up President Joe Biden’s inability to do his job.

Biden dramatically dropped out of the presidential race, passing the baton to his vice president.

Republicans are already in attack mode, with DeSantis blaming Harris for the country’s border woes.

‘Democrats are just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic,’ DeSantis said.

20:22

Trump campaign says 'mentally incompetent' Joe Biden is a security risk and should leave the White House NOW

The Trump campaign Sunday slammed Joe Biden as a ‘security risk’ and demanded that he leave the White House immediately.

It issued a blistering statement running down his three and a half years in office after the 81-year-old announced he would not be seeking reelection in November.

‘Joe Biden cannot take himself out of a campaign for president because he is too mentally incompetent and still remain in the White House,’ said top Trump campaign officials Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles.

‘Biden is a national security threat in great cognitive decline and a clear and present danger to every man, woman, and child in our country.

‘The question then to Kamala Harris is simple: knowing that Joe Biden withdrew from the campaign because of his rapidly deteriorating condition, does Harris believe the people of America are safe and secure with Joe Biden in the White House for six more months?’

20:15

Republican National Committee release statement on Biden not seeking reelection

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley and Co-Chairman Lara Trump released a statement on President Biden not seeking reelection and going after Vice President Kamala Harris.

‘President Trump will win this election because he is the only person who will rebuild our southern border, restore our economy and secure our standing in the world,’ they wrote. ‘Every single failure we’ve seen from Joe Biden – the Afghanistan withdrawal, a border crisis, crushing inflation, and America weakened abroad – has been delivered hand-in-hand with Kamala Harris. Not only would Harris be a disaster in the White House, but she also helped Biden cover up his declining health while in office, which destroys her credibility,’ they continued. ‘As Democrats fall apart, President Trump is uniting the American people behind his winning agenda,’ the statement finished.

20:10

Democrats are being flooded with cash following Biden's announcement he's exiting

Democrats are being flooeded with cash following President Biden’s announcement that he would not be seeking reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

In just over an hour fundraising shot up more than $5 million according to tracking by ActBlue.

An hour after that it was up more than $8 million in total and climbing.

It’s not clear based on tracking where the donations are headed and it could be a challenge for candidates other than Harris to access the funds should they go to the Biden campaign and she’s not the nominee.

20:06

Breaking: Kamala Harris breaks silence: 'My intention is to earn and win this nomination'

epa11490846 (FILE) - US Vice President Kamala Harris and US President Joe Biden reacts on stage during a campaign event at the Chavis Community Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, 26 March 2024 (reissued 21 July 2024). Joe Biden on 21 July announced on his X (formerly Twitter) account that he would not seek re-election in November 2024, and endorsed Harris to be the Democrats' new nominee.  EPA/ALLISON JOYCE

On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country. His remarkable legacy of accomplishment is unmatched in modern American history, surpassing the legacy of many Presidents who have served two terms in office.

It is a profound honor to serve as his Vice President, and I am deeply grateful to the President, Dr. Biden, and the entire Biden family. I first came to know President Biden through his son Beau. We were friends from our days working together as Attorneys General of our home states. As we worked together, Beau would tell me stories about his Dad. The kind of father—and the kind of man—he was. And the qualities Beau revered in his father are the same qualities, the same values, I have seen every single day in Joe’s leadership as President: His honesty and integrity. His big heart and commitment to his faith and his family. And his love of our country and the American people.

With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else.

I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.

19:38

Top Democrats OMIT Kamala Harris from statements praising Joe Biden

President Joe Biden may have endorsed his VP to replace him in November, but the nation’s highest-ranking elected Democrats have not come out behind her yet.

‘America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity. We are forever grateful,’ House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement that made no mention of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement: ‘Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he’s a truly amazing human being. His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first.’

Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee where a candidate will be formally nominated, did not mention Harris in his own statement.

He promised to give more information soon on what the nominating process would look like. The Democratic National Convention is less than a month away and will begin on August 19.

19:38

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is the VP pick feared by Trump world

(FILES) Democratic gubernatorial candidate for Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro looks on during a rally ahead of the US midterm elections, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 5, 2022. US President Joe Biden announced July 21, 2024 that he is dropping out of his reelection battle with Donald Trump, in a historic move that plunges the already turbulent 2024 White House race into uncharted territory. Biden's withdrawal from the race for the White House leaves a gap atop the Democratic presidential ticket that the party. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

From Rob Crilly, Chief U.S. Political Correspondent

Kamala Harris will have to round out her ticket with a pick to do the job of vice president. You could make a case for any of about half a dozen governors, senators or cabinet secretaries.

But one Trump confidant told me that the smart choice could be Josh Shapiro, governor of Pennsylvania.

The whole election could come down to the Key Stone state, which was won narrowly by Trump in 2016 before flipping to Biden in 2020. Choosing the governor would immediately strengthen Harris’s hand in one of the ‘blue wall’ states where Biden was trailing by four points in poll averages.

And he comes with another advantage: He is Jewish. My source said that could be important.

The Dems have a big problem with the Middle East right now. Shapiro could help reassure Jewish voters.

19:32

Who will be Kamala Harris' VP pick? The candidates who could join the ticket now Biden has dropped out

President Biden dropping out of the presidential race with less than four months before Election Day and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him sets of a series of frantic steps Democrats must take to have their ticket ready to take on Donald Trump.

While Harris is the likely nominee with the president’s backing, it is not guaranteed until the delegates vote at the convention next month to formally nominate a candidate.

Questions also swirl over who would be Harris’ running mate as number two on the ticket if she officially becomes the nominee.

Questions also swirl over who would be Harris’ running mate as number two on the ticket if she officially becomes the nominee.

Here’s whose names have been floated and what they’re saying:

19:28

J.D. Vance, top Republicans call for Joe Biden to RESIGN from the White House and accuse Kamala Harris of a 'cover-up' of the president's mental and physical decline

Republicans insisted on Sunday that if President Biden is not fit to run for president in 2024, he must also resign from the job right now – and immediately went on the attack of Vice President Kamala Harris.

In a statement on Sunday afternoon, Joe Biden announced he would not be running at the top of the Democratic ticket in November. He endorsed Harris to take his spot.

‘If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough,’ Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., wrote on X.

‘If Joe Biden ends his reelection campaign, how can he justify remaining President?’ questioned newly-nominated VP candidate Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio.

19:27

'Kamala was in on it': Trump group drops ad showing how it will tie Harris to Biden

From Rob Crilly, Chief U.S. Political Correspondent

MAGA Inc, the super PAC backing Trump, has dropped a new ad on X. An insider told DailyMail.com that it will rapidly drop its Biden attack ads to switch in the new spot, and they will begin to air in the swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania tomorrow.

It shows how the campaign and the outside groups backing Trump will now pivot. While publicly officials have insisted they don’t care which opponent they get in November, there will be practical matters they have to address, particularly once the full ticket is known.

Will new states come into play? Will different issues become more relevant? What are the new ticket’s strengths and weaknesses?

For now, as the MAGA Inc ad shows, tying Harris to Biden and painting her as a more leftwing enabler of his policies is the first priority for Trump world.

19:20

Biden told senior staff decision shortly before he posted letter online

(FILES) US President Joe Biden attends a Juneteenth Concert in the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on June 10, 2024. US President Joe Biden announced July 21, 2024 that he is dropping out of his reelection battle with Donald Trump, in a historic move that plunges the already turbulent 2024 White House race into uncharted territory. Biden also said he was endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 election after he dropped out of the race. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP) (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

By Emily Goodin, senior White House correspondent

President Joe Biden informed his senior campaign staff and senior White House staff of his decision to exit the race at 1:45 pm, a White House official confirmed.

That was only one minute before he posted his letter announcing his decision on social media.

And many of his staff – the junior staffers who run day-to-day operations for the campaign and the administration – found out from that post.

Biden is isolating in Rehoboth Beach with wife Jill as he recovers from a bout of COVID.

19:14

Clintons support Kamala Harris in massive boost to her bid for the White House

19:13

Nancy Pelosi reacts to Biden withdrawing from the race

19:12

Biden ends his reelection bid just 107 days before Election Day… the closest ever in history

(FILES) US President Joe Biden, with Vice President Kamala Harris, salutes after announcing the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, September 22, 2023. US President Joe Biden announced July 21, 2024 that he is dropping out of his reelection battle with Donald Trump, in a historic move that plunges the already turbulent 2024 White House race into uncharted territory. Biden also said he was endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 election after he dropped out of the race. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

According to a study by Fox News, Joe Biden takes the cake for being the closest to Election Day to step down.

  • Biden: 107 days
  • LBJ: 219 days
  • Harry Truman: 220 days
  • Calvin Coolidge: 462 days

19:10

Trump trialed attacks on 'laughing Kamala' at Grand Rapids rally on Saturday

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - JULY 20: Republican Presidential nominee former President Donald J. Trump holds his first public campaign rally with his running mate, Vice Presidential nominee U.S. Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) (not pictured), at the Van Andel Arena on July 20, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  This is also Trump's first public rally since he was shot in the ear during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania on July 13. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX ***

From Rob Crilly, Chief U.S. Political Correspondent in Grand Rapids

At his first rally after being shot, Donald Trump spoke for an hour and 47 minutes, hitting all his favorite targets.

He railed repeatedly against ‘crooked Joe Biden,’ polled his crowd on the opponent they’d like to see him up against in the election, and accused the Democratic Party of leading a coup against its nominee.

He also tested his attack lines on Kamala Harris.

From the moment we take back the White House from crooked joe biden and Kamala … I call her laughing Kamala. You ever watch her? She’s crazy. You can tell a lot by laughter she’s crazy. She’s nuts. She’s not as crazy as Nancy from us.

19:02

Biden's decline laid bare in recent months

19:00

Majority of Democrats think Harris will make a good president

Polling, which was conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, determined that a majority of Democrats believe the country would be in good hands if Harris took over.

Approximately 58 percent of Democrats think Harris would make a good president – while 22 percent think she would not and 20 percent ‘do not know enough to say’.

This is compared to the 30 percent of the general public that think Harris would make a good President and a staggering 87 percent of Republicans who said she would NOT make a good president.

18:52

Progressive Caucus co-chair Pramila Jayapal endorses Kamala Harris for VP

epa11443526 Democratic Representative of Washington Pramila Jayapal delivers remarks to protesters outside the US Supreme Court, in Washington DC, USA, 28 June 2024. The Court issued a range of opinions including narrowing the statute that prosecutors have used in the cases of defendants who particpated in the January 6 Capitol attack.  EPA/WILL OLIVER

‘Democrats must immediately unite so we can focus on winning in November,’ Jayapal, D-Wash., wrote on X. ‘I look forward to casting my vote for Kamala Harris and doing everything I can to ensure she becomes our next president.

Jayapal and the rest of the progressive ‘Squad’ had been some of Biden’s last defenders in Congress before he dropped out.

18:45

Governor Whitmer reacts to Biden's exit from race

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer who serves as a Biden reelection campaign co-chair called Biden a great public servant who ‘knows better than anyone what it takes to defeat Donald Trump.

‘My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump, a convicted felon whose agenda of raising families’ costs, banning abortion nationwide, and abusing the power of the White House to settle his own scores is completely wrong for Michigan,’ she wrote on X.

Whitmer has also been touted as a potential replacement for Biden, but she has insisted she is not running.

18:41

Biden's Cabinet members signal support after Joe's shock announcement

Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg: ‘I am so proud to serve under his leadership’ and ‘thankful for his unwavering focus.’

18:38

Chuck Schumer: Joe's decision 'was not easy' but he's 'put his country, his party' first

Per a source familiar, Leader Schumer and President Biden spoke this afternoon before his announcement.

18:27

Breaking: Trump reacts to Biden dropping out: 'Single worst president by far in history'

Former President Donald Trump tells CNN in a phone call minutes after Biden announced he is dropping out of the 2024 race and endorsing Kamala Harris.

He is the worst president in the history of our country. He goes down as the single worst president by far in the history of our country.

Trump went on to say he thinks Kamala will be easier to beat this November than Biden – or any other Democrat.

The former president took to Truth Social to further slam ‘crooked Joe Biden’ – adding that he’s currently ‘not fit to serve.’

Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve – And never was! He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement. All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn’t capable of being President, and he wasn’t – And now, look what he’s done to our Country, with millions of people coming across our Border, totally unchecked and unvetted, many from prisons, mental institutions, and record numbers of terrorists. We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

18:24

Speaker Mike Johnson, Republican House Conference Chair Elise Stefanik say Biden should resign office

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., quickly took to X to call on Biden to ‘resign the office immediately.’

Regardless of the chaos in the current White House, our adversaries around the globe should be reminded that the U.S. Congress, the U.S. military, and the American people are fully prepared and committed to defend our interests both at home and abroad.  

If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough.

18:20

Biden says he fully supports and endorses Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee

President Joe Biden has endorsed and given his full support to his Vice President to Kamala Harris after he dropped out of the presidential race.

In his letter announcing his historic move, he stopped short of saying he should be her replacement.

18:16

Gov. Newsom praises Biden as an 'extraordinary, history-making president' after bombshell letter he won't seek reelection

One of President Biden’s close supporters and a person whose name had been floated as a possible replacement California Governor Gavin Newsom reacted to the president’s bombshell announcement on X.

‘President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans,’ Newsom wrote.

‘He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents. Thank you,@JoeBiden.’

He did not make any indication of what he believes needs to happen next.

18:15

What happens next: Open convention, does Kamala get the nomination straight away? All your questions answered

President Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race on Sunday setting off an unprecedented chain of events that sets Democrats scrambling to to have a nominee for the top of the ticket in place with less than four months to go before Election Day.

The Democratic National Convention is set to kick off August 19 through 22 in Chicago where Biden had been set to formally accept the nomination having received 3,896 delegates during the primaries.

More than 4,600 delegates and thousand of other party officials will now head to the city without Biden as the presumptive nominee for the Democratic ticket.

The president made the announcement in a letter to his fellow Americans where he wrote it has been the greatest honor of his life to serve as president.

‘While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,’ he wrote.

He did not make an endorsement of another Democrat, instead writing he would speak to the country later this week with more details about his decision.

18:11

What happens next in the Democratic presidential race?

President Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race on Sunday setting off an unprecedented chain of events that sets Democrats scrambling to to have a nominee for the top of the ticket in place with less than four months to go before Election Day.

The Democratic National Convention is set to kick off August 19 through 22 in Chicago where Biden had been set to formally accept the nomination having received 3,896 delegates during the primaries.

More than 4,600 delegates and thousand of other party officials will now head to the city without Biden as the presumptive nominee for the Democratic ticket.

Here’s what happens next:

18:09

Biden drops out: The story in full

President Joe Biden has dropped out of the 2024 race in a seismic decision sparked by a relentless campaign from Democrats demanding he drop out because of his cognitive decline and his dire chances against Donald Trump.

The 81-year-old stepped aside Sunday after facing weeks of questions over his fitness to serve following his disastrous presidential debate performance that sparked a series of fumbles he could not recover from.

His extraordinary move comes after a 50-year career in politics that culminated in the White House.

Biden announced his historic decision in a one-page letter where he committed to completing his term, but not fully endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the replacement.

Now Democrats must race to shore up their campaign behind a new nominee with less than four months until voting day.

‘It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,’ Biden wrote in a letter posted to his X account on Sunday.

‘And while it has been my intention to seek reelection,’ he went on, ‘I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.’

18:08

Naomi Biden says she's 'proud' of her 'Pop' minutes after he drops out

I’m nothing but proud today of my Pop, our President, Joe Biden, who has served our country with every bit of his soul and with unmatched distinction. Not only has he been—and will continue to be—the most effective president of our lifetime, but he has likely already cemented himself as the most effective and impactful public servant in our nation’s history.

He has been at the center of, and had a material impact on, literally every single major issue that our country and world has faced for 50 years. Our world is better today in so many ways thanks to him. To the Americans who have always had his back, keep the faith. He will always have ours.

18:05

Read in full: Biden's statement

18:04

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Joe Biden has backed out of the presidential race.

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