US president said pulling out of election in 'best interest' of party
Democrat endorses vice-president, Kamala Harris, to take his place
The 81-year-old president's decision to stand aside comes after weeks of pressure about his fitness and ability to defeat Donald Trump - a candidate he has warned is an existential threat to US democracy.
"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 focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term," Biden said in a letter announcing his decision. He said he planned to speak to the nation in more detail later this week.
Biden thanked Harris in his letter and later endorsed her candidacy in a tweet. "My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as president for the remainder of my term," he tweeted. "My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my vice-president. And it's been the best decision I've made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this."
Harris thanked Biden in a statement "for his extraordinary leadership as president". She also said "with this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else. I am honored to have the president's endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.
"I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic party - and unite our nation to defeat Donald Trump. We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win."
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