Biden's decision makes him a lame duck

Through his withdrawal, President Joe Biden improves the chances of his party in protecting the nation from the dangers of a Trump return to the Presidency, writes the "New York Times". "A majority of Americans have at times expressed doubt that Biden could lead the nation for another term and referred to long-standing concerns about his age and fitness, which have only intensified recently. Had he remained the front-runner, he would have significantly increased the likelihood that Trump could regain the presidency and possibly even control both chambers of Congress. Biden has repeatedly warned that this specter is a deep threat to the nation and its democratic values. Biden has now done what Trump never will: He has put the national interest above his own pride and ambition. Biden's departure gives the Democrats an opportunity to refocus public interest - away from questions about the president's fitness and towards the obvious moral and emotional unfitness of Trump - and to address the dangers of giving him back the considerable power of the presidency."

The "Boston Globe" praises Biden's decision to withdraw from the race. "Americans have much to thank President Biden for. Future generations will remember him as the one who brought decorum back to the White House after the turbulent years of the Trump administration, defended democracy at home and abroad, passed bipartisan infrastructure legislation that seemed impossible in a divided Washington, and made the greatest effort among all previous American presidents to address climate change. This legacy, which he achieved in barely four years, would make many presidents with two terms look pale. And with his announcement on Sunday that he does not seek a second term, Biden took an important step to secure this legacy. By getting out of the race, he gives his Democratic party friends an opportunity to secure the White House and prevent former President Donald Trump, who would try to undo everything Biden achieved, from returning to power."

The "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" considers Biden's withdrawal a "good news for American voters" and discusses Kamala Harris as a possible replacement candidate. "Biden now supports his Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. He is taking the path of least resistance. Legally and technically, it is easiest if she runs. Her name is already on the Biden/Harris ticket, for which donors have contributed a total of 231 million US dollars. However, Harris' candidacy is not set in stone; Biden cannot dictate to the delegates he has released whom they should vote for at the Democratic Party convention. If the Democrats manage to field a viable candidate in a timely manner, the cards in this campaign will be reshuffled. A month ago, it looked as if two aging rivals were going to face off again. The Democrats must now, unwillingly, seek an alternative. In particular, for American voters of the younger generation, this is good news."

The local "Washington Post" reports on Harris' chances: "Harris is the front-runner to emerge as the standard-bearer for the Democrats at their Chicago convention next month. The delegates may not be willing to deny the first woman the nomination for Vice President. This is why many potential top contenders have signaled they will not challenge her. An open process to determine Biden's successor as the Democratic candidate and a new running mate could get messy. It could draw attention to democratic infighting on issues that divide the Democrats like Biden's Middle East policy (...). However, Biden's decision offers the chance for a fresh start, not just for his party, but for US politics in general, through a competition for the nomination between future national leaders. (...). According to polls, Harris is the best-known among potential Democratic candidates, but she also has a record in the Biden administration that people can rightfully scrutinize (...). And perhaps even more importantly, she is not the only option."

The Dutch newspaper "De Telegraaf" warns that the Republicans could benefit if Harris is nominated as a presidential candidate. "Donald Trump and his campaign team hope that Harris will indeed be nominated as a new presidential candidate, as Biden has suggested. The Republicans could profit from this. Not so much because voters in the left camp could be persuaded to vote for Trump, but because this would mobilize their own supporters even more strongly. Harris comes across as a red rag to conservative America. In a country where normally half the voters stay home, this could make a difference."

The "Wall Street Journal" sees the United States in a weakened position due to Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race. "Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the presidential race makes him practically a lame duck. The odds were already good that he would have reached this status by November 5, but America now faces almost a 100-day interregnum before the transition. We are focusing on the campaign, but the world is concerned about what role Washington will play in the next six months. History does not provide a clear answer. The constitutional rule that there can only be one president at a time is often hard for Americans, let alone foreigners, to understand. The risks that arise from the uncertainty about who is in charge will be exacerbated by a weak incumbent who is not seeking re-election. The enemies of the US and even some allies will see opportunities to advance their interests. We cannot rule out what a responsible, but disappointed and possibly bitter 'lame duck' might do with the end of their term."

If Kamala Harris becomes the Democratic Party's nominee for the United States Presidency Election 2024, some conservative Americans may view her as a "red rag," which could potentially mobilize Republican voters even more strongly.
With Joe Biden's decision not to seek another term, the United States Presidency Election 2024 presents an opportunity for future national leaders to compete for the Democratic nomination, offering a fresh start for US politics in general.
The withdrawal of President Joe Biden from the race has improved the Democrats' chances of preventing former President Donald Trump from regaining the presidency in the United States Presidency Election 2024, as it allows the party to refocus public interest away from Biden's fitness concerns and towards Trump's unfitness.