After the June presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Trump, the scenario seemed quite clear, and the Democrats were not too happy with the performance of their leader and the President of the United States. Consequently, voices began to rise from within the Democratic Party suggesting that President Joe Biden should withdraw from the presidential race.
Joe Biden, at 81 years old, faced off against right-wing white supremacist Donald Trump, who is 78 years old. Trump’s constituencies and America’s voters and supporters leaned heavily on his white supremacy policies, which proved quite successful. However, after the assassination attempt on Donald Trump on July 13, swing states and undecided voters began to rally behind Trump. A significant factor in this shift was the poor performance of President Biden in the June presidential debate.
With approximately 120 days left until the presidential election in the United States, Joe Biden announced today his withdrawal from the presidential race and endorsed Kamala Harris as the new presidential candidate for his party. The question now arises: what will be the effects of President Joe Biden’s decision on the global scenario, the regional situation, and the United States’ relations with other countries? Let’s delve into this situation.
If elected, Donald Trump is expected to make significant changes in US domestic politics, including imposing more tariffs on top Chinese products to boost US industries. Simultaneously, due to increased industrialization, Americans are expected to see improved employment opportunities and a decrease in inflation. The Republican Party’s stance against abortion divides a large number of its voters and supporters. It appears that the Republican Party will maintain its position on this issue, and its policy will also influence matters such as the Gaza war and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Regarding Ukraine, Donald Trump has already announced his intention to end the war within 24 hours of taking office, whereas no substantial change is expected in US foreign policy concerning Gaza. Even if Donald Trump assumes power, America will continue to support Israel.
It is noteworthy in American history that two former presidents withdrew from the presidential race due to their low popularity, namely President James and President Johnson, for different reasons. President James Buchanan’s reputation declined in 1860 due to the slavery debate, while President Johnson faced declining popularity in 1968 due to the Vietnam War.
Kamala Harris, as a presidential candidate, will require considerable effort and support, especially with a major candidate like Trump in the election campaign. How successful she will be remains uncertain at this stage, but it is evident that expectations for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris’s success are currently low. However, Harris benefits from strong support among women and has the potential to expand her voter base by garnering sympathy from Black and Indian-American communities, which would be a significant positive development for her.
If Kamala Harris becomes the new president of the United States, she would make history as the first Black woman to hold the office. The international community has also reacted to Biden’s announcement of withdrawal from the election. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to Joe Biden for his support, while the Prime Minister of Great Britain respected President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential election in the interest of his people.
The heads of state of Canada, Australia, and Germany have also responded to President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential election. However, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President, or Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has not issued any statements. It appears that the Foreign Secretary did not submit a draft statement to the Prime Minister or President for reaction to President Joe Biden’s decision.
Pakistan could not keep pace with other world leaders in giving reaction of goodwill gesture on the eve of Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the election. Pakistan could express good wishes for the incoming American president while wishing Biden good health. This would have ensured Pakistan’s inclusion among countries fostering mutual relations with the United States. Nonetheless, it is hoped that in future our people would make effective and timely decisions on such occasions.
