Unexpectedly, Joe Biden dropped out of the race for US president and backed Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic Party candidate. This has changed the dynamics of the 2024 White House race in a big way.

After weeks of pressure following a difficult June debate against Donald Trump, Biden, 81, claimed leaving was in the "best interest of my party and the country" following questions over his age and mental fitness.

This choice has energized the Democratic Party as well as sent it into flux before the November 5 election. Kamala Harris has quickly confirmed her aim to "defeat Donald Trump" and to be the first woman president of America.

Trump answered with tweets on his Truth Social network, alleging Biden's absence shows he is not "fit to serve." Republicans suffer from this change since their campaign concentrated mostly on Biden. 78-year-old Trump will now be up against a considerably younger opponent.

Although Biden's leaving was expected, the official word leaked unexpectedly while he recovered from COVID-19 in his Delaware beach house. Biden said in a statement sent on social media that serving as president had been the "greatest honor of my life" and declared his full support of Harris.

Key Democratic leaders including possible contenders like California Governor Gavin Newsom soon endorsed Harris. ActBlue, the Democratic fundraising organization, said Harris collected $27.5 million in small-donor contributions in five hours.

Now, the Democratic Party has to choose a new nominee at their August 19 Chicago convention. First Black and South Asian vice president Harris hailed Biden for his "selfless and patriotic act" and promised to be nominated and help him to win the election.