In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Joe Biden has announced his withdrawal from the 2024 Presidential election, just four months before election day.
In a statement released on July 21, Biden did not provide specific reasons for his decision, but stated only that it was in the “best interest of my party and my country.”
However, this leaves the Democratic Party without its expected nominee for the November 5 election. While there is speculation about Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential replacement, no official candidate has been confirmed at this time.
The 2024 Election betting market on Polymarket has confirmed the news, as Biden’s winning chance drops to 1%, while Trump’s winning chance remains at 64%, followed by Kamala Harris with 30%.
Biden’s presidency has been notable for its stance on cryptocurrency regulation. On June 1, he vetoed a resolution that would have nullified the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121. This decision was criticized by the crypto industry, with some arguing it hindered financial innovation.
The president’s withdrawal also comes shortly after a failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the Republican Party’s presidential nominee. Trump has recently reiterated his support for the cryptocurrency industry, announcing plans for another non-fungible token (NFT) collection and emphasizing the need for U.S. leadership in this area.
As both major parties adjust to this new political landscape, the coming weeks are likely to see significant changes in campaign strategies and potential candidate selections.
The 2024 election, already expected to be contentious, may now face additional uncertainties as the Democratic Party seeks to nominate a new candidate in the limited time before election day.