Live updates: President Biden drops out, endorses VP Harris as nominee

July 21, 2024 - NPR

President Biden says he is ending his campaign for a second term in office, a reversal that follows growing pressure from his own party. Biden endorsed Vice President Harris as nominee, but some Democrats are pushing for an open contest, where other young Democratic governors and cabinet members may be considered.

— Harris released a statement saying she will "earn and win" the nomination. She thanked Biden for his leadership and service, saying his legacy is "unmatched."

Biden's decision came amid growing worry by Democrats that Biden had failed to reassure voters about concerns over his age in his debate against Trump.

Now the Democrats must choose a new nominee. The DNC chair says the party will undertake a "transparent and orderly" process to move forward "with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November."

Biden had sought to bounce back from his poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump and promised donors he would be "fighting harder," but his efforts were not enough to quell concerns.

— Trump is now the oldest presidential nominee of a major party, and he would be the second-oldest president in U.S. history if elected.