President Joe Biden’s unexpected announcement on Sunday that he is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential run and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the next Democratic nominee,
leaving Americans to struggle with the historic news.Joe Biden’s path to the summit of American politics took nearly half a century, marked by tragedy and culminating in victory. The fall, in contrast, felt painfully rapid.Messages of gratitude and support poured in for Joe Biden.
Background:
Just weeks after a catastrophic debate sparked a major uprising within his own party, Joseph R. Biden Jr., the 46th President of the United States, conceded on July 21 to Democratic worries about his declining re-election prospects, withdrawing from the race against former President Donald Trump. The sudden decision upends the 2024 contest and sets the stage for a mad dash to Election Day.Since the June 27 debate against Trump raised concerns about the President’s mental health and ability to campaign and govern, hundreds of the party’s elected officials have encouraged Biden, 81, to quit.
In a message to Americans shared on social media, Biden emphasised his efforts on the economy, health care, and other topics.
Biden said that serving as president of the United States has been the greatest honour of his life and that while he intends to seek re-election, he believes that his resignation will serve his party and in the best interest of their country. And to focus on his duties as president for the rest of his term.
Vice President Kamala Harris:
Harris said in a statement that he was honoured to receive the president’s endorsement and that she intends to pursue and win the nomination. She added that she will do everything in her power to unite the Democratic Party and unite her nation to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.
Former President Donald Trump:
Shortly after Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 campaign, former President Trump responded by calling Joe Biden the worst president in our nation’s history. He has gone down as the single worst president in our nation’s history, saying he thinks it will be easier to beat Vice President Kamala Harris than it would be to beat Joe Biden.
Former President Barack Obama:
President Obama said he also knows that Joe Biden has never backed down from a fight. Surveying the political landscape and deciding whether he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely the most difficult task of his life. But he knows Biden won’t do it, he added. Until he’s convinced it’s the right thing to do for America, the former president said in a statement that he had extraordinary confidence that his party’s leaders would be able to create a process in which a brilliant nominee came out.
Chuck Schumer, Senate majority Leader:
Chuck Schumer said in a statement that Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader, but he is truly an amazing human being. Of course, his decision was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party and our future first. He also said that today shows that Biden is a true patriot and a great American.
Independent Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy:
Robert F Kennedy said he applauds President Biden for resigning because his weaknesses were obvious to any impartial observer from the start. It was progressivism — and an abandonment of Democratic Party norms — that drove me to enter this race and ensure that American voters have a viable alternative to Donald Trump.
Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee:
On President Biden’s decision, the organisation said in a statement posted to X, that America and the democracy-loving people of the world are grateful to Biden. That the Congressional Black Caucus PAC joins President Biden in fully endorsing Kamala Harris as our party’s nominee.
Ron klain:
Ron Klain, Biden’s former director of staff, urged Democrats to rally around Vice President Kamala Harris as the inevitable successor to Biden, saying on social media that it’s time to put an end to political fantasy games and unite around the sole national campaign veteran.
Gavin Newsom, Governor of California:
In a statement, California’s governor praised President Biden, describing him as an amazing, historic president – a leader who battled tirelessly for working people and the good of all Americans. Given the results, he adopted the most effective methods to improve his country. He will be remembered as one of the most influential and selfless presidents in history.
Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky:
Beshear, whose name has been floated as a possible contender for president or vice president, said Biden’s decision is in the best interest of our country and our party and for a successful presidency that has done big, important things. What has been done is also necessary, he praised and further said that now is the time for our nation to come together.
Barbara Lee, U.S. Representative:
In a phone interview, Lee, a former head of the Congressional Black Caucus, stated that the party’s nominee could only be Harris. She is the best vice president, Lee remarked, adding that he is experienced, professional, and intelligent. She has contributed to the Biden-Harris legacy, which must be carried on.
Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan:
Gretchen Whitmer described President Biden as a terrific public servant who understands better than anyone what it takes to fight Donald Trump. His tremendous efforts to reduce prescription drug prices, repair roads, streamline supply chains, address climate change, and maintain America’s global leadership for decades will be remembered. Also said that her duty this election will stay the same: to do everything possible to elect Democrats and oppose Donald Trump, a convicted felon whose program includes raising family costs, outlawing abortion statewide, and taking over the White House. To settle the score by misusing power.Totally wrong for Michigan.
United Auto Workers:
According to the union, Vice President Kamala Harris joined them on the picket line in 2019 and, along with President Biden, helped to restore work and jobs in areas such as Lordstown, Ohio, and Belvidere, Illinois. The fact that Kamala Harris is a good president can be established. This is President Biden’s legacy, and this is how they will continue to move ahead as a union.
Peter Welch, U.S Senator:
As the first Democratic senator to support Joe Biden’s reelection, Welch praised the president for calling off his fight on Sunday, claiming that he made wise choices, exhibited remarkable humility, and prioritised the needs of the nation. It is definitely a difficult choice, he continued. Welch stated that everyone in his existence wished to carry on the fight and overthrow Trump once more in an interview with Reuters. Welch declined to support Harris, although acknowledging that she was leading the race to unseat Biden. The fact that Kamala is able to take action demonstrates the party’s unity.The first Democratic senator to endorse Joe Biden for reelection, Welch commended the president for putting an end to his battle on.
Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Representative and former House Speaker:
President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always placed our country first, Nancy remarked in her support and appreciation of the president’s choice. Being one of the most productive presidents in American history is a testament to his vision, values, and leadership. Greetings and appreciation to President Biden for his unwavering belief in the potential of America and for enabling people to realise their dreams. Joseph Biden is a great and nice man who God gifted America with.
Steve Scalise, house Majority Leader:
Scalise claimed on X that the Democratic Party’s leaders have demonstrated their total disregard for the people that elect them. They just drove Joe Biden off the ticket, destroying the top pick of his own 14 million voters, after lecturing others about democracy.
Jim Clyburn South Carolina Democratic Congressman:
Declaring in a statement that he agreed with President Biden’s wise decision to appoint Vice President Harris to serve this country with him and to designate him as the Democratic Party’s nominee for president in 2024, Clyburn stated. As happy to support her successful candidature as I am to follow her example.
Elise Stefanik, House Republican Conference Chairwoman:
In a statement on President Biden’s decision, Stefanik bluntly stated that if Joe Biden is unable to run for re-election, he is unfit to serve as President of the United States. He should resign immediately.
Dick Durbin, Senator and majority Whip:
Joe Biden has always placed the country first during his public career, according to a post by Durbin. It is evident from his four years in office as president that he is dedicated to turning our country around and revitalising its spirit. America will always be appreciative of that.
Mayor Andrew Ginther:
Mayor Andrew Guenther, president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, praised Biden’s time in office in a statement Sunday. Guenther described Biden as an incredible ally and advocate for America’s mayors, noting that when the president took office, American cities were at the forefront of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Ginther added that he has worked hand-in-hand with them to pass some of the most impactful legislation for cities. The American Rescue Plan, the bipartisan infrastructure law, the Deflation Act, the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and CHIPS and the SCIENCE Act were historic investments that continue to strengthen communities across the country.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams:
In a statement, Mayor Eric Adams applauded Biden’s decision to drop out of the race, stating that the nation needs strong leadership from a younger age. In August, Adams is scheduled to attend the Democratic National Convention as a delegate. From this point on, the Democratic Party needs to prioritise the needs of the working class and respond to their worries about rising living expenses, public safety, and our common democratic ideals.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez:
Francis Suarez commended Joe Biden for his service and stated in a statement that Trump should be elected by the American people based only on the merits of his programs in order to bring back stability, prosperity, and national security. After the remark was shared on the official Instagram page of the city of Miami, Suarez received some backlash. Since then, the statement has been removed from this website.
Mesa Arizona, Mayor John Giles:
Republican mayor John Giles stated in a 12 News interview that he first acknowledged President Biden’s fifty years of service when he learnt of his departure. As a result of some of the fantastic laws he has accomplished during his presidency, many positive things have transpired in his own neighbourhood, according to Giles, who supports Biden for president in 2020. The city claims that they participate in a weekly ribbon-cutting event. Giles was appalled by a statement made by Trump on Sunday, claiming that Biden is unsuitable to be president and that he obtained the position via deceit, fabrications, and other means.He claimed that following last week’s assassination, [Trump’s] tone had changed.This was quite helpful to him.
Star Wars actor Mark Hamill:
Mark Hamill said Biden has a record of accomplishments unmatched by any president in our lifetime. Hamill added that he restored honesty, dignity and integrity to the office after four years of lies, crime, scandal and chaos. He thanked Mr. President for his services. He also said to the nation that now it is our duty as patriotic Americans to elect a Democrat who will honor and carry forward Biden’s legacy.
Final words:
A man who spent most of his life fighting for the power of the presidency must have found it difficult to step down. Biden wasn’t ready to go. Overcoming difficulties has become a feature of his personality. Biden’s decision is absolutely wonderful for his country and certainly a bold gesture for the good of his nation, but it was a decision of the president alone that he made quietly even though he decided to make the best decision for his country and do it. Wanted to step back to give a better president but should have consulted first. Moreover, the Democratic Party should not have pressured anyone but hope that Kamala Harris will prove to be a better president and take steps with a better understanding of the country’s situation, resulting in further improvement and development.