Editorial 22 July 2024.
Monday’s front pages are dominated by one story: Joe Biden’s announcement he will not seek re-election in November, and backing his vice president Kamala Harris to be the Democratic candidate. The president had been under growing pressure to step aside following a disastrous TV debate performance that had many Americans questioning his age and mental fitness. Despite attempting to mount several comebacks, a few other high-profile gaffes only added to the pressure – which saw high-profile Democrats and Democratic figures call on the president to step aside. Biden will remain in office until the end of his term. The US will head to the polls in November to elect their new president – a race that now looks likely to be Kamala Harris vs Donald Trump. The new president will assume office in January 2025.
Away from US politics, a handful of tabloids report on the Strictly Come Dancing bullying scandal, whilst the back pages are dominated by golf and cricket.
‘Joe Biden quits the race’
The Guardian features a large image of Biden with his head bowed, as it reports that he has ended his campaign for re-election. The paper suggests his decision was abrupt, only informing senior staff on Sunday afternoon that he had changed his mind.
Similarly, The Telegraph calls it a “shock announcement” noting it came hours after reports that Biden still intended to fight the election, despite concerns from top Democrats. A comment piece on the front page reports Democrats “have finally got their gear together and effected a coup – but not before months of damaging the party’s brand”.
The i newspaper says White House staff were “blindsided” by Biden’s announcement but a growing rebellion had left an angry president with “no option” and he was “forced to stand aside … to make way” for a younger candidate.
The FT calls it an “unprecedented” move that will reverberate across the globe, and inject new uncertainty….. “at a moment of acute geo-political tension”.
The Times says the president has bowed to mounting pressure to “pass the torch to a younger generation.” The paper says Kamala Harris will now be the favourite for the Democratic nomination. But it also warns that some of her main party rivals didn’t follow Biden’s endorsement of her. The paper claims they’re calculating whether to stage a challenge leading up to the party’s convention in Chicago, which starts on 19 August.
The right-leaning tabloids have their say.
The Daily Mail says “Biden out … Kamala in?” The paper notes the Clintons have backed Harris to be the Democratic presidential candidate but former US president Barack Obama has “stopped short” of giving her his support.
The Daily Express says Biden’s decision now means “it’s game on in the US elections.” The paper reports Trump is ahead in the opinion polls but asks how much of that is due to Biden’s weaknesses. It also says time is not on the Democrats’ side – and questions if it will be a straightforward coronation of Ms Harris at her party’s convention next month.
The Sun says “Finally, sense has prevailed”. The paper’s editorial says the president cannot be blamed for his physical decline and he deserves credit for stepping aside. The paper also says his decision to quit is “probably his last hope of stopping his bitter rival”.
The Daily Star repeats a Donald Trump insult – “Sleepy Joe: It’s time for a nap.”