Biden's decision to throw in the towel was made just hours before it was made public. His staff found out about it one minute before the announcement.
The hardest decision he's ever made, says a close colleague.
On Saturday evening, President Joe Biden was still determined to continue his campaign to be re-elected as President of the United States. He was at his vacation home in the state of Delaware, where he had isolated himself after being infected with COVID-19. By his side was a small circle consisting of his wife Jill and a few close colleagues, including chief strategist Mike Donilon and presidential advisor Steve Ricchetti.
On Sunday, the decision began to take shape, according to sources who spoke to the AP news agency. He wrote a letter to the American people and spoke several times with Vice President Kamala Harris.
At 13:45, a small group of senior advisors from the White House and the presidential campaign gathered to move forward with his decision. One minute later, the letter was released on social media.
"It has been the greatest honor of my life to be your president. And although it has been my intention to be re-elected, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country that I step down", wrote Biden.
This must be one of the hardest decisions he's ever made, says Senator Chris Coons, the president's closest ally in Congress, who spoke with him on Sunday.
I know he wanted to fight and continue and show that he could beat Donald Trump again, but when he heard more and more opinions, I think he struggled with what would be best for the country, says Coons.
