Joe Biden drops from presidential race amid plummeting popularity, endorses Harris to succeed him

President Joe Biden dropped Sunday from the presidential race after a disastrous debate performance renewed concerns that he wasn’t fit for another four years. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him

“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President,” Biden posted on social media. “And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.l

Biden made the endorsement just minutes after announcing in a letter he was bowing out from the race.

Biden said he will address the public in a speech about his decision at a later date. 

Biden framed his decision as in "the best interest of [his] party and the country."

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," read Biden's statement, which stated he had every intention of seeking reelection.

Stepping aside, the statement reads, will allow Biden "to focus solely on fulfilling [his] duties as President for the remainder of [his] term."

Biden's statement highlighted the milestones of his administration, including appointing "the first African American woman to the Supreme Court" and passing "significant climate legislation."