Biden withdraws from the presidential race to support Kamala Harris in 2024.

In his first interview since stepping back from the electoral race, President Joe Biden offered a clear perspective on his decision to withdraw from the re-election campaign. In a conversation with CBS, Biden explained that his intention in exiting the competition was to avoid distractions that could divert attention from the crucial issues facing the country. "Several of my colleagues in the Senate and the House believed that I would hurt the campaign and feared that if I stayed, that would be the central theme," the president stated, reflecting the tensions surrounding his decision. At 81 years old, Biden faces constant questioning about his age and ability to lead. He admitted that during his initial foray into presidential politics in 2020, he viewed himself as a "transitional" leader. This self-perception suggests that Biden has always seen his role as temporary, aimed at guiding the country into a new phase under different leadership. "I can't even say my age; it's hard for those words to come out of my lips, but everything has been moving very quickly," he confessed, underscoring the rapid pace of political developments. Biden emphasized the historical significance of the upcoming elections, describing them as decisive for American democracy. "We are at a turning point in history. The decisions we make in the next three or four years will determine what the next six decades will look like," he predicted, revealing his concern for the country's political future in the current context. The president announced his withdrawal from the race on July 21, shortly after what he described as a "disastrous performance" in the first presidential debate against former President Donald Trump. This moment was critical not only for his own campaign but also for the future of the Democratic Party, which is now under the leadership of Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Biden has fully supported. Harris was officially named as the Democratic presidential candidate, and her selection of Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, as her running mate marked a new chapter in the electoral campaign. Biden's decision to support her underscores his commitment to doing "whatever helps the most" to ensure that she prevails over Trump in the upcoming contest. Looking ahead, the president has begun to outline his role in Harris's campaign, revealing plans for a rally tour in Pennsylvania alongside the state's governor, Josh Shapiro, who had also been considered a possible vice presidential candidate. This indicates that Biden does not plan to completely step away from the political stage but rather positions himself as a key ally in the fight for his former cabinet member's re-election. Additionally, the president revealed that he maintains frequent dialogue with Harris and believes that she and Walz make a "great team." This backing not only aims to consolidate the party's message but also to reinforce unity at a time when political polarization is increasingly sharp in the country. As the elections approach, Biden's strategy appears to focus on unifying Democrats and mobilizing voters around issues he considers fundamental to the nation's future. His conviction that the current moment is critical is reflected in his desire for citizens to understand the magnitude of what is at stake. In summary, Biden's decision to withdraw from the race was not taken lightly, but rather stems from a strategic assessment of the political circumstances at hand. As he prepares to support Harris, the president remains focused on the goal of preserving and strengthening American democracy in an electoral context that promises to be one of the most contested in recent history. His legacy, both as a leader and president, will depend on the decisions made during this crucial electoral period.