The decision by President Joe Biden to withdraw from the Democratic Party presidential race, announced on Sunday, came as a surprise even to his own advisors. Senior White House officials and the campaign team had spent the entire week asserting Biden’s determination to stay in the race.
Advisors in Shock
According to the BBC, Biden’s advisors were preparing a campaign schedule for his return from Covid-19 isolation on Saturday, while Biden, who was recovering at his home in Delaware, was weighing the growing pressure to withdraw from the race. On Sunday morning, he suddenly reconsidered his candidacy decision and opted to withdraw.
Critical Meetings and the Final Decision
On Saturday afternoon, Biden met with his closest advisors, including Steve Richetti, chief strategist Mike Donilon, deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini, and Anthony Bernal, chief of staff to Jill Biden. This team reviewed the polls and discussed Biden’s chances against Trump. Expectations were that if Biden stayed in the race, more Democrats would call for his support. However, after evaluating poll results and scenarios, Biden made the toughest decision of his 50-year political career and decided to withdraw from the candidacy.
Preparing and Disseminating the Announcement
After making his decision, Biden, along with Mike Donilon, prepared the announcement of his withdrawal. Richetti took on the task of disseminating the announcement and informing Biden’s team. On Sunday morning, Biden separately called Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon, and Vice President Kamala Harris to inform them of his decision.
Announcement via Social Media
Following a video meeting with top White House officials at 1:45 PM local time, Biden released the announcement of his withdrawal. A White House official stated, “Biden said he had been contemplating this for a few days. He only shared the decision with his inner circle.” Many White House staffers and campaign workers learned of Biden’s withdrawal through social media.