 How have we lasted this long? How have we endured, grown, prospered? Our extraordinary framers were steered by a revolutionary premise. Our union would never be perfect. We would not be governed by an all-powerful king or sovereign. Over the past few days, I've been reflecting on all this. My season of service is nearing its close. This is a hard truth to face, but it is the natural course of things, as evident as the progression from spring to summer, from fall to winter. That is why I have decided to withdraw from the campaign for President of the United States.