Joe Biden did the honourable thing. It took dire polls and home truths from donors and allies, but the President finally admitted that his political race is over.
Biden was trailing Donald Trump in the swing states – in some cases with a wide margin – and was showing little sign of being able to close the gap. On course for defeat, Biden made his decision in the interests of his party and country, but also his legacy.
Biden’s legacy could go one of two ways. Like almost every US president, his tenure has included both major successes and significant failures. While some of his major achievements, such as record job growth and regenerating industry, are secure; others, such as landmark climate change legislation and enabling the defence of Ukraine, would be vulnerable in a Trump presidency. Ironically, Biden’s legacy among everyone but his Maga enemies will be defined by the election from which he has just withdrawn.
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