JOE Biden dramatically quit the US presidential race last night, saying: "It is in the best interest of my party and the country".
His seismic decision could pave the way for Republican rival Donald Trump, who survived an assassination attempt on July 13, to claim victory.
Biden, 81, stepped aside after facing weeks of questions over his fitness to serve following his disastrous presidential debate performance that sparked a series of fumbles he could not recover from. He is the first President to step aside from a re-election race since Lyndon Johnson in 1968 at the height of the Vietnam War.
Democrat Mr Biden plans to serve out the rest of his term in office, which ends on January 20 next year. His historic exit comes after a 50-year career in politics in which he was Vice President to Barack Obama.
After telling close aides of his decision to step aside at 6.45pm UK time Mr Biden posted a letter on his social media account, saying it had been the greatest honour of his life to be President.
He added: "And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling the duties as President for the remainder of my term."
Denne historien er fra July 22, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 22, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
A RED LETTER DAY FOR RUBEN
Hojlund hits two to hand Amorim happy home start
SPURS DENIED LATE ON BY MATS FINISH
Hummels goal makes point for Italians
British soldier who spied for Iran is facing life in prison
Traitor passed on SAS names
'My CV is good so give me a chance'
FRANK TELLS FANS TO LOOK AT HIS RECORD
Bash's big about turn
SHOAIB SAVOURS RISE
Ding-dong over chiming clock
Town hall broke its own noise limits
Food banks should never be the norm
But for now, they remain vital to millions of people
Victim of drink and drug driver is stark reminder of dangers
THE harrowing story of a police worker killed by a drink and drug driver on her colleagues' \"darkest day\" is being used in a powerful Christmas campaign.
Starmer, now smell the anger over your stinky farmers' tax
Sewage sludge delivery protest
Bidding kicks off for new Rooney TV show
COLEEN Rooney may be wowing viewers on I'm a Celebrity...but husband Wayne is making television moves all of his own away from the jungle.
