One Year Ago: Biden Exited 2024 Race, Paving Way for Political Shakeup and Trump Victory

WASHINGTON — One year ago today, then-President Joe Biden stunned the nation with a surprise announcement: he would no longer seek re-election in the 2024 presidential race. Citing the "country’s best interest," Biden stepped aside in what many described as one of the most consequential political decisions in modern American history.

In a nationally televised address, Biden endorsed then-Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s nominee, making her the first Black woman and Asian American to lead a major party ticket. The announcement immediately reshaped the 2024 race, igniting both excitement and uncertainty across the political spectrum.

Despite Harris gaining the full backing of the Democratic establishment, the shift came late in the election cycle and left little time for her campaign to build nationwide momentum. Meanwhile, Republican frontrunner Donald Trump capitalized on the sudden shift, energizing his base and dominating media coverage.

Ultimately, Trump secured a return to the White House in a closely watched and historic election, marking his second non-consecutive term as president.

Today, political analysts continue to debate Biden’s decision—some viewing it as a selfless act of leadership, others as a miscalculation that fractured the Democratic coalition at a pivotal moment.

As the nation reflects on the anniversary of Biden’s unexpected withdrawal, its impact on the trajectory of American politics remains deeply felt.