If you were caught completely off-guard by President Joe Biden's announcement that he would be stepping aside rather than continuing his campaign, you aren't alone.
Even the President's closest aides weren't given much of a warning.
In isolation while recovering from Covid at the Biden family's home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, the President only gave his aides a "moment's notice," according to the BBC.
As he faced unrelenting--and unmerited--criticism in the wake of his debate with convicted felon Donald Trump last month, the President and his staff remained adamant that he wouldn't be stepping aside.
Staffers were still working on the President's campaign schedule on Saturday, based upon his return to the White House next week. Insiders say that the President was growing frustrated and visibly angry by the criticism from some Democrats being circulated on social media and in the press.
The BBC reports that Saturday evening, the President "began to consider whether he should withdraw," framing it as "one of the toughest decisions of his 50-year political career."
Joining President Biden were Steve Richetti, one of his closest advisers, Mike Donilon, his chief strategist, Annie Tomasini, his deputy chief of staff, and Anthony Bernal, the chief of staff to First Lady Jill Biden.
President Biden made the final decision that he was dropping out on Sunday morning, separately calling his Chief of Staff, Jeff Zients, his campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon, and Vice-President Kamala Harris to inform them, sources told the BBC.
In the wake of President Biden's endorsement of Kamala Harris to take his spot on the Democratic ticket, nearly $100 million has been raised as VP Harris continues to collect endorsements along with her record donations.
Messages of support for Joe were seen outside the White House on Monday.