Staffers on President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign didn’t receive official communication until about 20 minutes after he announced on social media that he was dropping out. When they finally did get an email, it directed them to Biden’s post on X.
“Team, sharing with you President Biden’s letter that was just released. We will have more information later this afternoon,” Biden campaign managers Jen O’Malley Dillon and Julie Chavez Rodriguez wrote in an email sent to all staff at 2:03 p.m. Eastern time. “Look forward to an invitation for all staff. We are so grateful to be a part of this team with all of you. More information will follow soon.”
The email was linked to a letter Biden posted on X 15 minutes earlier, at 1:46 p.m. Eastern time, in which he announced he would no longer seek re-election.
Politico reported that campaign aides were working to persuade delegates from the moment the letter was posted. The New York Times reported that senior aides like Anita Dunn, who managed communications strategy for Biden, knew about a minute before telling the world that Biden would withdraw from the race.
The future of the Biden campaign apparatus is unclear at the time of publication; CNN reported that discussions were already underway to bring in aides who worked for former President Barack Obama to support the campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris, who has vowed to “earn and win” the Democratic Party’s nomination.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
