President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement has triggered a wave of reactions across social media.
Barack Obama’s Praise for Biden
Former President Barack Obama commended Biden for his patriotism and service. “Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me,” Obama said. He lauded Biden for his accomplishments and his ability to reverse the course after Trump’s presidency.
“I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight. 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.”
Clinton Support
Bill and Hillary Clinton echoed Obama’s sentiments, praising Biden’s decision and endorsing Harris. “We’ve lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term,” they stated. They emphasized the urgency of supporting Harris to prevent Trump’s return to power.
Other Notable Reactions
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who reportedly encouraged Biden to step down, praised his decision in a statement.
The Congressional Black Caucus also quickly endorsed Harris following Biden’s announcement.
Biden Family and Close Associates
Naomi Biden, the president’s granddaughter, expressed pride in her grandfather’s decision. “I’m nothing but proud today of my Pop, our President, Joe Biden, who has served our country with every bit of his soul and with unmatched distinction.”
Progressive Voices
Pod Save America host and former Obama-Biden speechwriter Jon Favreau praised Biden’s decision. “A courageous and selfless decision. The President did what he’s done for the last four years — he listened to the American people and put the country’s interests ahead of his own. The exact opposite of Donald Trump,” he wrote.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, thanked Biden for his service. “At a time when Donald Trump and his Republican Party have stripped away women’s reproductive freedoms, we will respond by finally electing the first woman to the presidency. And as the first South Asian woman elected to the House of Representatives, I look forward to seeing Kamala Harris become the first South Asian American and first Black woman to serve as the President of the United States of America,” Jayapal stated.
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Calls for Unity
Rep. Andy Kim highlighted the historic nature of Harris’s candidacy. “I have full faith in Vice President Harris to lead a new generation of leadership for our country. Her candidacy is historic, not just the opportunity to elect the first woman, the first AAPI President, and a Black woman, but to continue on the incredible progress we’ve started. The time to unify is now. The stakes are high. Let’s move forward together.”
As the Democratic Party braces for an unprecedented election season, these reactions underscore the significance of Biden’s decision and the widespread support for Vice President Harris’s historic candidacy.
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