After months of escalating pressure from various quarters, including his own party, US President Joe Biden has withdrawn his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election in November.
Some see it as a testament to his leadership and profound patriotism, prioritising the nation’s interests above his own.
Others felt a mix of relief that he finally let go, coupled with anxiety and fear that his decision might have come too late to alter the outcome of the contest.
Although he still has nearly six months left in office, Biden’s decision to end his bid for re-election essentially closes the book on his tenure and starts the debate as to his political legacy.
Joe’s half century
While the question of legacy haunts everyone, the stakes are never higher than for a president approaching the end of his reign.
For Biden, his extensive career is marked by a wealth of roles and contributions, having served as a US Senator from 1973-2009, and as Barack Obama’s Vice President from 2009-17.
Throughout, Biden has played a significant role in reshaping the international order, especially after the Soviet Union’s collapse.
As vice-president and president, he helped renegotiate America’s role in a changing world with a rising China and emerging powers asserting their independence.
In power, Biden introduced groundbreaking climate legislation, boosting US investment at an unprecedented scale.
He also reassured allies of America’s commitment to the multilateral agreements, after former president Donald Trump’s threats to withdraw.
