Biden's decision
President Joe Biden has made the decision to suspend his re-election campaign after weeks of speculation and pressure from various sources. The 81-year-old made the announcement following his poor first debate performance against Donald Trump.
Mounting pressure
Pressure had been mounting on President Biden to step down, with calls from lawmakers, former aides, and even A-list celebrities urging him to drop out of the race. The decision comes after weeks of scrutiny over his campaign and recent gaffes at public events.
Reactions and speculations
Following Biden's announcement, there is now speculation about who will succeed him as the Democratic Party's presidential nominee. Vice President Kamala Harris has been touted as a potential option, but there are doubts about her ability to lead effectively. Other names being mentioned include West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Trump's polling and battleground states
Meanwhile, Donald Trump's polling remains strong and he holds an advantage in key battleground states. Despite Biden's lead in the national polls, Trump is ahead in states like Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania – all of which were carried by Biden in the 2020 election. The upcoming election in November is shaping up to be a closely contested battle.
