US President Joe Biden has broken his silence for the first time since withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, offering his support to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Speaking from his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where he is recovering from COVID-19, he said the drop-out was “the right thing to do.”
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The 81-year-old President, who plans to further explain his decision in an upcoming national address, assured the public that he is “not going anywhere”.
“The name has changed at the top of the ticket, but the mission hasn’t changed at all.”
He expressed his confidence in Harris and said, “I’m watching you, kid. I love you”.
Biden’s decision has reshaped the presidential contest, releasing his delegates to support Harris at the upcoming convention.
Over 1,300 pledged delegates have already indicated their backing for her, surpassing the required benchmark set by the Democratic National Committee.
Harris, who made her first public appearance since Biden’s announcement, paid tribute to his legacy and spoke of the “rollercoaster” weeks leading up to this moment.
Speaking to campaign staff in Delaware, she emphasised her determination to secure the Democratic nomination and win the election.
“Our fight for the future is also a fight for freedoms,” Harris said.
She has shared a statement saying she is “proud” to have secured the broad support of her party, becoming the Democratic nominee in the presidential election.
“The baton is in our hands.”
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