WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign after fellow Democrats lost faith in his mental acuity and ability to beat Donald Trump, leaving presidential race in uncharted territory.

Biden, in post on X, said he will remain in his role as President and commander-in-chief until his term ends in January 2025 and will address nation this week.

"It has been greatest honour of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in best interest of my party and country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for remainder of my term," Biden wrote.

By dropping his reelection bid, he clears way for Vice President Kamala Harris to run at top of ticket, first Black woman to do so in country's history. Biden did not mention her when he announced his move.

It was unclear whether other senior Democrats would challenge Harris for party's nomination, who was widely seen as pick for many party officials-or whether party itself would choose to open field for nominations.

Biden's announcement follows wave of public and private pressure from Democratic lawmakers and party officials to quit race after his shockingly poor performance in televised debate last month against Republican rival Donald Trump.

Published in The Daily National Courier, July, 22 2024

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