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Jimmy Williams
After President Joe Biden announced his decision to end his re-election campaign, top Democrats lauded his accomplishments and some expressed their support for Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s 2024 presidential nominee. Conversely, many Republicans suggested that Biden’s decision implies he should not continue serving the remainder of his term, which ends in January.
Biden, in a letter on Sunday afternoon, endorsed Harris in a post on X. Harris responded, expressing her honor in receiving Biden’s endorsement and stating her intention to earn and win the nomination.
Democratic Praise and Endorsements
Harris commended Biden’s legacy, describing it as “unmatched in modern American history” and celebrated his selfless act of putting the country above his own ambitions. However, top Democratic leaders in Congress refrained from immediately endorsing Harris or any other candidate.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., praised Biden as a great president and legislative leader, calling him a true patriot and a great American. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., highlighted Biden’s handling of COVID-19, the economy, and his victory over Trump in 2020, describing him as one of the most accomplished leaders in American history.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., echoed similar sentiments, calling Biden a patriotic American who always prioritized the country first. She noted that Biden’s legacy of vision, values, and leadership makes him one of the most consequential presidents in American history.
Former President Barack Obama praised Biden’s achievements, including ending the pandemic, creating jobs, and enacting significant gun safety legislation. Obama emphasized Biden’s love of country and selflessness in stepping aside for the greater good, describing it as a historic example for future leaders.
“More than that, President Biden pointed us away from the four years of chaos, falsehood, and division that had characterized Donald Trump’s administration,” Obama wrote. “For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life. But I know he wouldn’t make this decision unless he believed it was right for America. It’s a testament to Joe Biden’s love of country — and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow.”
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton endorsed Harris, expressing their commitment to supporting her candidacy and warning of the dangers of a second Trump term.
“We’ve lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posted by a second Trump term,” they warned.
Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., also endorsed Harris, praising Biden’s leadership and accomplishments.
“I echo the good judgment [Biden] demonstrated in selecting Vice President Harris to lead this nation alongside him, and I am proud to follow his lead in support of her candidacy to succeed him as the Democratic Party’s 2024 nominee for President,” Clyburn wrote.
Presidential historian Jon Meacham described Biden’s withdrawal as a “singular moment in the history of the American presidency,” highlighting Biden’s dedication to public service and the constitutional order.
Republican Criticism and Calls for Resignation
Former President Donald Trump criticized Biden on Truth Social, claiming Biden was never fit to serve as president and blaming his presidency for various national issues. Trump expressed his belief that Biden’s presidency was attained through deceit and fake news.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., called for Biden’s immediate resignation, a sentiment echoed by other Republican lawmakers. Johnson argued that if Biden is not fit to run for president, he is also not fit to serve as president.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., criticized the current state of the country under Biden’s administration, stating it is less prosperous and secure than it was in January 2021. McConnell accused Democrats of pushing Biden out of the race and undermining the will of the American people in primary elections across the country.
