United States—US President Joe Biden spoke to the country on Wednesday for the first time after pulling out of the presidential run-up, stating that he stepped aside to save democracy in a low-key Oval Office address in what could hardly be termed a competition.
Just before the speech, his Republican opponent, Donald Trump, unleashed a bitter verbal attack on new Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris at his first campaign rally after Biden tapped her for the role and ahead of the November 5 elections, as reported by Reuters.
Trump’s Attack on Harris
Trump dubbed Harris ‘a radical left lunatic’ after the woman had taken the spotlight for the past two days of the campaign criticizing him, pointing at his felony records, liability for sexual abuse, and fraud damages for his business, charity fund, and a private university.
Further support began building for the Harris campaign Thursday when NBC News reported that former President Barack Obama would endorse Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate in the near future.
“Aides to Obama and Harris also have discussed arranging for the two of them to appear together on the campaign trail, though no date has been set,” it said.
Biden stated that he thought his first-term performance was good enough for him to be re-elected, but patriotism compelled him to act.
Here is what Biden said after many calling on him to withdraw from the race after a dismal performance in a debate with Trump on June 27: “I decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation.”
Biden’s Reasons for Stepping Aside
Biden, 81, the oldest president in U. S. history, was applauded, cheered, and welcomed by music in the Rose Garden after the address; his staff had gathered at the White House for the speech.
Trump was not as charitable, using his Truth Social platform to point out that Biden’s speech was “barely understandable” and “so bad!”
Given that Trump used Biden’s age and fragility as the major campaign trail topic, the president now has to deal with Harris, the first Black female and Asian American VP at 59.
Harris’ Campaign Momentum
Exciting many Democrats as possibly the first woman in the White House, Harris quickly brought most of the Democratic party together for her. Her campaign announced that it had collected USD 126 million since Sunday, with 64% of the contributors being first-time donors of the 2024 election.
She succeeded in securing the support of party delegations on Monday, a day after Biden’s statement.
The next big expected event is Harris to choose a vice-presidential candidate to match Trump’s decision and nominate Ohio Senator J. D. Vance.
Included in the list are Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Next Steps for Harris
After a rules committee meeting on Wednesday, the DNC rules committee reached a consensus to nominate Harris as soon as August 1, before the party convention in Chicago on August 19-22, and Harris to select a running mate no later than August 7.
Biden expressed confidence in Harris as a powerful leader who would serve well in the capacity of the presidency.
“She’s experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable,” he said. ”She has been a great colleague to me and a president for this country Now it’s up to the American voters.
Trump’s Response and Campaign Strategy
Trump attempted to rein in some of her progress in a bold speech at a campaign event.
‘I’m not gonna be nice!’ said Trump to his supporters in Charlotte, North Carolina, which is a swing state that can go either Democrat or Republican.
Harris demonstrated on Tuesday that she is also ready to throw a punch, using her experience as a prosecutor in the face of his record as a convict.
“Do we want to live in a country of freedom, compassion, and rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear, and hate?” she asked during a speech in Milwaukee.
Polls Show Tight Race
A survey by Reuters/Ipsos conducted on Tuesday gave Harris a two-point margin over Trump, 44%-42%. CNN polling conducted by SSRS revealed that 49% of the voters preferred Trump, while 46% preferred Kamala Harris. Both of them were within the poll’s margin of error, as reported by Reuters.