President Biden made the historically rare decision Sunday to drop out of the 2024 presidential race, less than four months after being declared the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee and days after a dismal debate showing.

The 81-year-old president’s exit from the race – months before Election Day – comes after a debate performance against former President Donald Trump in which the incumbent appeared infirm and was at times incoherent – alarming Democratic donors and strategists. 

Biden’s withdrawal is expected to set off a free-for-all for the Democratic nomination for president.  

The president cannot by decree select his replacement atop the 2024 ticket.