Biden’s most patriotic act: stepping aside

By Sarah F. Griffin

President Joe Biden took to X, formerly Twitter, on July 21 to announce that he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, later endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the nomination.

Biden’s tweet came weeks after a debate during which numerous Biden supporters thought he underperformed. This debate led many to believe that candidate Donald Trump was the runaway favorite in the 2024 election. Individuals even took their concerns to YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and, of course, X.  

As I watched Biden’s debate performance, I worried about his competency in fulfilling his presidential duties. On the other hand, I cannot stomach voting for someone like Trump, who I find to be undeserving of being elected president.

I realized that I might have to vote to keep one person out of office rather than voting for a candidate I trust to benefit the country. As much as I did not want Trump to re-enter the White House, I was also concerned about Biden’s ability to perform well for another four years. 

Biden’s decision to step down allowed voters like me to elect a candidate based on their ideas rather than just voting against another term for Trump.

When Biden stepped down, he showed the country what real leadership is: putting your country before your pride. Biden demonstrated that he is a patriot by making this decision following the mistakes and blunders he has made as president.

Biden had a long career in which he has shown himself to be an imperfect man, trying to do what is best for the U.S. This final political act of his, passing the torch to Kamala Harris, solidifies his legacy as a selfless leader who put his country first. 

Now, I feel it is my duty to help Kamala Harris become the next president in order to honor Biden’s legacy as a public servant. I, for one, am excited to vote for her.