We may all think we have President Joe Biden’s age or internal pressure from Democrats to blame for his decision to withdraw from the US presidential election.
But maybe President Biden’s decision was actually motivated by an unlikely source: Cardi B.
The President, who is currently self-isolating with Covid, made the announcement via a post on social media site X on Sunday, quickly earning an outpouring of reactions.
He wrote: ‘It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President.
‘And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interests of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.’
Cardi B reacted to the news of the president’s announcement with a characteristically enthusiastic post on X, writing: ‘AHAHAHAHA LETS GOOOOO I TOLD YALLL KAMALA WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE 2024 candidate…..STOP F**IN PLAYIN WITH ME !!!!!!!’
The post also featured a 10-minute video she’d previously posted in which she discussed her opinions on the election and her preference for current Vice President Kamala Harris as the candidate.
When one fan responded to Cardi’s post saying, ‘Maybe he watched your video,’ the WAP rapper replied saying,’Omgg maybe he did,’ along with a video clip of President Biden looking surprised.
Cardi’s prediction that Vice President Harris would end up as the Democratic nominee is one of many celebrity reactions to the ongoing developments in the presidential race.
Ariana Grande reposted the president’s endorsement of Vice President Harris as the new candidate, while Barbara Streisand took to X to write: ‘Joe Biden will go down in history as a man who accomplished significant achievements in his 4 year term. We should be grateful for his upholding of our democracy.’
Finneas O’Connell, Billie Eilish’s brother and collaborator, posted a picture of him and his family meeting Biden with the caption: ‘I see a person putting the people before themselves and their pride today and for that, I have an enormous amount of respect.’
Lizzo also reacted, writing: ‘We are truly living in unprecedented times,’ with a picture of an article announcing the news.
Pop legend Cher put it the most emotively, posting on X: ‘In my heart im tortured, Because I Don’t believe the Democrats Can win the Presidency With ”Pres Biden” “Joe”whom I’ve Loved since we met in 2008.I Campaigned for him I believe ITS TIME 2 PASS THE BATON. TIME 4 DEMS 2 THINK “ WAY” OUTSIDE THE BOX. MAYBE EVEN A SPLIT TICKET.’
President Biden’s decision to stand aside follows his disastrous debate against former President Trump last month in which he appeared confused and unable to keep track of his points.
Despite attempts to rally in recent weeks, continued missteps (like accidentally calling Ukrainian President Zelensky President Putin) have led to increased calls for President Biden to step aside.
Now, President Biden has officially taken Cardi B’s advice and decided to leave the race, prompting the Democratic party to find a replacement with enough clout to take on former President Trump.