Just before the groundbreaking June 27 presidential debate, President Joe Biden made a joke that would soon haunt him, leading to his subsequent decision to drop out of the race after a subpar debate performance.
Responding to accusations from Republicans and then-GOP nominee Donald Trump that he used performance-enhancing drugs during his State of the Union address in March to boost his energy levels, and might do the same in the upcoming debate against Trump, Biden took to his official social media account to post a playful message on June 27.
He humorously mentioned feeling energized and urged folks to try the supposed “performance enhancers” themselves in a now-regrettable tweet, featuring photos of him holding a can of water labeled “Get Real, Jack. It’s just water.”
Fast forward a month later, and the political landscape had drastically shifted.
The Debate that Shook Politics
On June 27, Biden and Trump clashed in the first presidential debate of the 2024 election, held in Atlanta and broadcast by CNN without a live audience. Biden’s lackluster performance, characterized by stumbling and unclear responses, drew sharp criticism even from within his own Democratic party.
The debate raised concerns about Biden’s mental acuity and age, especially given the comparison with Trump, who also faced scrutiny for similar reasons.
The Fallout Post-Debate
In the aftermath of the debate, over 30 Democratic Congress members pushed for Biden to step down, prompting discussions for a new candidate at the helm of the Democratic ticket.
Pressure from influential figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi mounted, with even former President Barack Obama expressing doubts about Biden’s reelection prospects.
Prominent backers like actor George Clooney voiced reservations about Biden’s ability to secure victory, further complicating his campaign’s future.
Amidst calls for invoking the 25th Amendment, which would strip Biden of power citing inability to fulfill his duties, his verbal missteps – such as confusing names during speeches – fueled speculations about his competency.
Biden’s decline in polls and approval ratings against Trump further added to the growing uncertainty surrounding his candidacy.
Decision to Bow Out
Following persistent affirmations of his commitment to the race, Biden shocked many by announcing his withdrawal on July 21, endorsing Kamala Harris as his successor within moments.
The decision, just over 100 days before the election and on the eve of the Democratic National Convention, was framed as a move to pass the baton to a new generation and prevent a potential backward slide under Trump’s leadership.
Biden pledged to continue his presidential duties until the term’s end in 2025, focusing on initiatives like reducing costs for families and combating extremism.
Harris swiftly rallied former Biden supporters to back her campaign for the presidency.