Just In:Joe Biden bows to pressure, pulls out of 2024 US presidential race
Joe Biden has pulled out of the presidential race, saying it is “in the best interest of my party and the country”.
In a development that sends the contest into unchartered territory, the US president announced that he will no longer be seeking a second term.
He has thrown his support behind Kamala Harris, urging Democrats to donate to her campaign as he stood down.
In a letter addressed to “my fellow Americans”, Mr Biden said it had been the “greatest honour of my life to serve as your 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 has endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, saying: “Democrats – it’s time to come together and beat Trump.”
Posting a link to her campaign fundraiser, he wrote: “f you’re with us, donate to her campaign.”
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