Media Reactions to Biden’s Withdrawal from 2024 Presidential Race

Media Reactions to President Biden’s Withdrawal from the 2024 Presidential Race

Political media across the spectrum provided extensive coverage and analysis following President Biden’s surprising announcement to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Depending on the outlet, this decision was framed as either a commendable act of selflessness or as a sign of a potential “coup” orchestrated by Democratic insiders.

Liberal publications largely praised Mr. Biden for his courage, calling him “patriotic” for prioritizing party unity. Many commentators expressed their approval of his decision to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, portraying this move as a rallying point for the Democratic Party.

Conversely, conservative outlets took a more critical stance, scrutinizing both Mr. Biden’s legacy and the implications of his withdrawal. Some commentators suggested that the pressure from Democratic leaders for him to step aside indicated a “coup” by party elites. They also questioned his mental fitness, calling for him to resign from the presidency immediately, well ahead of the end of his term.

Here’s a summary of how various outlets covered the news:

FROM THE LEFT

• MSNBC: A growing chorus of Democratic politicians had been urging the president to withdraw from his electoral campaign. On Sunday, this frustration, which had been building both publicly and privately for weeks, transformed into clear admiration for Mr. Biden’s decision and his overall legacy.
• HuffPost: One headline boldly proclaimed Mr. Biden’s decision as a “PATRIOT ACT,” emphasizing the significance of his choice.
• Salon: Coverage highlighted that Mr. Biden stepping aside “shows us the meaning of unity,” framing it as a moment of collective strength for the Democratic Party.
• The New Republic: The publication referred to his decision as “the final twist” in what it characterized as a “surprisingly great presidency,” underscoring the unexpected positive turn in his political narrative.