BREAKING: Biden drops out of US presidential race

US President Joe Biden

US President Joe Biden

Joe Biden has withdrawn from the presidential race, an unprecedented move that throws the Democratic candidacy into doubt only months before the November election against Donald Trump, whom he has said is an existential threat to American democracy.

“While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term,” Biden said in a letter announcing his decision.

The president made the startling revelation following a weeks-long pressure campaign by Democratic leaders, organizers, and funders who increasingly saw no way to win as long as the embattled incumbent was on the ballot.

A dismal debate performance last month and his inconsistent public appearances have fueled long-held voter worries that the 81-year-old president was too old to serve another four years.

Joe Biden has also announced that he is endorsing vice-president Kamala Harris as his successor for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Read also: US election: Biden under pressure to drop presidential bid

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