US President Joe Biden takes the oath of office at the Capitol in Washington, DC, January 20, 2021. Public domain photo.US President Joe Biden takes the oath of office at the Capitol in Washington, DC, January 20, 2021. Public domain photo.
Chatham

President Joe Biden not seeking re-election

U.S. President Joe Biden has announced he has dropped out of the upcoming presidential election.

This comes after calls for him to step down and for the Democrat Party to have a new nominee.

He made the announcement Sunday afternoon on social media.

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

He recognized the work that has been done over the last three and a half years.

"We've made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We've provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances," he said.

Biden also recognized the first gun safety law that was passed and the appointment of the first African American woman to the Supreme Court.

"I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression," he said.

"Let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust in me," Biden said.

Biden is expected to speak this week in more detail about his decision.

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