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Obama reacts to Biden exiting US presidential race; She intends “to earn and win” the nomination _ Kamala

US President Joe Biden has dropped out of the presidential race. He has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Party’s nominee to take on Republican Donald Trump in November.

Biden made the announcements on his X account on Sunday saying it is “in the best interest” of his party and the country for him to stand down to focus solely on fulfilling his duties as president for the remainder of his term.

The president added that he will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about his decision.

Recall that after his faltering performance in last month’s debate against Trump, there has been calls among Democrats for Biden to quit his campaign

It is believed that the exit of Biden who had already acquired more than 90 percent of state delegates will allow about 4,000 state delegates to vote for candidates of their choices at the party’s national convention in mid-August

This is the first time in 56 years that an incumbent president seeking reelection has dropped out of an election campaign. The last president that did so was Lyndon Johnson in 1968.

Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison says the party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward in the coming days.

Also Read: 2024 US Presidential Election: Pelosi thinks Biden may be persuaded to exit race soon; Biden’s path to winning reelection diminished _ Obama tells allies

Meanwhile, former US President Barack Obama has issued a statement after President Joe Biden announced his intention to drop out of the presidential race.

Obama described Biden as “one of America’s most consequential presidents,” as well as a dear friend and partner.

Obama said, “Today, we’ve also been reminded — again — that he’s a patriot of the highest order.”

He went on with, “I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight.”

He added that, “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.”

He said that the decision is a “testament to 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.”

Responding to her endorsement, US Vice President Kamala Harris said she is honored to have Biden’s approval of her to be the Democratic Party nominee for the presidency. She added she intends “to earn and win” the nomination.

Harris released a statement on Sunday after Biden announced earlier in the day his intention to drop out of the presidential contest.

Harris pledged that she will do everything in her power to unite the Democratic Party and the nation to defeat Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Harris said that on behalf of the Americans, she thanks Biden for “his extraordinary leadership” as president and for his decades of service to the country.

She said Biden’s “remarkable legacy of accomplishment is unmatched in modern American history.” She added that it surpasses the legacy of many presidents who have served two terms in office.