In the end, Biden did the right thing 

President Joe Biden has finally swept away the disturbing doubts and controversy surrounding his ability to serve another term if elected, by opting out of the Democratic nomination for reelection. Ceding that coveted prize for the greater good was the graceful, right, and honest thing to do, a fitting cap to Biden’s lifelong commitment to public service.

His historic withdrawal came nearly four weeks after his famously disastrous debate performance. That set voters, down-ballot candidates, and other elected officials wondering aloud how at age 81 he could serve another four grueling years atop the world’s most powerful democratic government. He said four years ago he would be a bridge to a new generation of leaders; he should have followed through on that plan earlier.`

In the political sweepstakes, we now know Biden ultimately knew “when to fold ‘em.” Of course, that decision followed intense, strategic pressure from donors and party leaders.

It does not diminish Biden’s decision to acknowledge this was a hazardous political situation. Despite efforts to “recover” from the debate meltdown with one-on-one interviews, a rigorous news conference, and tightly controlled campaign appearances, polls showed most Americans, including most Democrats, still thought he should step aside. Everyone could see how he looked and sounded.

Biden’s preferred successor, Vice President Kamala Harris, is likely to succeed him on the ticket. Regardless of the outcome at next month’s Democratic National Convention, Biden’s withdrawal allows November voters to make a choice based on which candidate has the best policies for the nation, rather than on the latest fragility report.

Republicans who now have a different election challenge are foolishly making hay of Biden finishing his term. Doing so would allow him to follow through on some of the significant achievements of his tenure without having to charge around the nation campaigning at top speed. And an immediate resignation would force two presidential transitions between now and January. That would be damaging and unnecessary, since we’ll know in less than four months who is elected to succeed him.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson warned before Sunday’s announcement of legal challenges against replacing Biden if he dropped out. That’s predictable. “Unity” cant aside, partisan divisiveness is so intense that any legal initiative involving ballots in various states prompts foes to try to nullify it. Former President Donald Trump — four years after his loss to Biden — reacted to Sunday’s news by denouncing his former opponent as “unfit to run” and making other toxic allegations. It’s another missed opportunity by the Republican nominee to show statesmanship.

What is happening now is rare. It has been more than a half-century since an incumbent president, Lyndon Johnson, dropped out — in his case, because of unrest over the Vietnam War. Whoever is destined to succeed Biden, the president deserves thanks for his longtime service and, in the end, his ability to acknowledge his limitations and concede it was time to go.