Joe Biden withdraws candidacy for president

US President Joe Biden announced in a statement on his account on the "X" (formerly Twitter) platform that he is withdrawing his intention to run for president a second time. Biden stated that he made this decision "considering the interests of the Democratic Party and the country." He added that he will continue to fulfill his duties until the end of his current term.

In his social media address to his party members, Biden endorsed Kamala Harris as the presidential candidate for this year's election. He mentioned that choosing Harris as his vice president four years ago was "his best decision." Now, he wants her to be the presidential candidate. "It's time for Democrats to come together and defeat Trump," he said.

The president of the most influential LGBTQI+ organization in the US, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Kelley Robinson, thanked Biden and stated:

“We are deeply grateful to President Biden for his more than 50 years of public service and his longtime support for the LGBTQ+ community. Today’s announcement reflects what President Biden has done his entire career and will be core to his legacy: putting the needs of Americans and his country above his own. We owe the Biden-Harris team a debt of gratitude for leading the country out of a state of chaos and constant crisis under former President Trump. The Biden-Harris administration has been the most pro-LGBTQ+ equality administration in history: assembling the most diverse administration, signing the Respect for Marriage Act into law to protect against attacks on marriage equality, and taking important steps to protect our transgender community and LGBTQ+ students. President Biden and Vice President Harris have worked closely with HRC and others to get things done and move us closer to equality. We look forward to hearing President Biden address the nation later this week."

Additionally, the HRC announced that it will spend $15 million this year to ensure the victory of the Democratic Party and Biden in the presidential election. The organization considers former President Donald Trump and the "Project 2025" agenda as threats to LGBTQI+ rights and democratic society.

Author: Alex Shah