Barack Obama Applauds Joe Biden's Decision, Stops Short Of Endorsing Kamala Harris
Former President Barack Obama applauded Biden's decision to leave the race.
"Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me" said Obama, who chose Biden as his running mate in 2008. "Today, we’ve also been reminded — again — that he’s a patriot of the highest order."
“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,” Obama continued. “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.”
His statement didn’t include an endorsement for Harris, whom Biden has backed as his replacement.
“We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead,” Obama continued. “But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”
"Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me" said Obama, who chose Biden as his running mate in 2008. "Today, we’ve also been reminded — again — that he’s a patriot of the highest order."
“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,” Obama continued. “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.”
His statement didn’t include an endorsement for Harris, whom Biden has backed as his replacement.
“We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead,” Obama continued. “But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”
Donald Trump’s Social Media Screed Continues
Trump returned to Truth Social with more harsh words about Biden.
“He was annihilated in an Earth Shattering Debate, and now the Corrupt and Radical Democrats are throwing him overboard,” he wrote in another lengthy post.
He still hasn’t posted about Harris, whom Biden has endorsed to replace him at the top of the ticket.
“He was annihilated in an Earth Shattering Debate, and now the Corrupt and Radical Democrats are throwing him overboard,” he wrote in another lengthy post.
He still hasn’t posted about Harris, whom Biden has endorsed to replace him at the top of the ticket.
Virginia Sens. Tim Kaine, Mark Warner Endorses Harris
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who was the Democratic nominee for vice president in 2016, said he was looking forward to working with Harris now that Biden has dropped out of the race.
Kaine is running for reelection this November.
“As I have been saying for weeks, President [Joe Biden] is a patriotic American who has always put the needs of our country ahead of himself,” he said in a statement, highlighting Biden’s career.
“I am laser-focused on building on the historic accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration, by continuing to lower costs for Virginians, protecting our democracy at home and abroad, and safeguarding Americans’ reproductive freedoms,” he continued.
“I’m looking forward to working with my friend [Harris] and a great ticket mate to keep Virginia blue so that we can continue to build on our progress.”
Sen. Mark Warner, another Democrat in Virginia, also backed Harris.
Warner was part of early efforts to urge Biden to drop out of the race.
“While there has to be an orderly process and the decision ultimately rests in the hands of the DNC delegates, I believe Vice President Harris has the experience, energy, and resolve to lead our nation,” Warner said in a statement.
Kaine is running for reelection this November.
“As I have been saying for weeks, President [Joe Biden] is a patriotic American who has always put the needs of our country ahead of himself,” he said in a statement, highlighting Biden’s career.
“I am laser-focused on building on the historic accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration, by continuing to lower costs for Virginians, protecting our democracy at home and abroad, and safeguarding Americans’ reproductive freedoms,” he continued.
“I’m looking forward to working with my friend [Harris] and a great ticket mate to keep Virginia blue so that we can continue to build on our progress.”
Sen. Mark Warner, another Democrat in Virginia, also backed Harris.
Warner was part of early efforts to urge Biden to drop out of the race.
“While there has to be an orderly process and the decision ultimately rests in the hands of the DNC delegates, I believe Vice President Harris has the experience, energy, and resolve to lead our nation,” Warner said in a statement.
Report: Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer Are Not Planning on Challenging Harris For Nomination
Democratic Govs. Gavin Newsom (CA) and Gretch Whitmer (MI) are not planning to challenge Harris for the presidential nomination, CBS News' Robert Costa reports.
“Already in this immediate aftermath of President Biden’s momentous decision, you see behind the scenes Democratic consolidation,” Costa said. “The real race will be for vice presidential nomination on the Democratic side.”
“Already in this immediate aftermath of President Biden’s momentous decision, you see behind the scenes Democratic consolidation,” Costa said. “The real race will be for vice presidential nomination on the Democratic side.”
NYT Report: Biden Campaign Staffers Urged Delegates For Support 30 Before Announcement
New York Times reporter Kenneth Vogel reported that Biden’s campaign staffers were taken by surprise when Biden announced he was dropping out.
Staffers were reportedly still making calls to delegates, urging them to publicly support Biden, 30 minutes before the announcement was made.
Staffers were reportedly still making calls to delegates, urging them to publicly support Biden, 30 minutes before the announcement was made.
Now What? Here’s How The Process Of Picking A New Candidate Looks: WaPo
Now that Biden has officially dropped out of the race, Democratic delegates need to pick a new candidate at the DNC – and even if the president already endorsed Harris, there still needs to be a formal process to nominate her.
The Washington Post has published an explainer about the party’s options going forward, and what picking a new Democratic candidate looks like. The basics: Democrats can either hold a virtual roll call to select a nominee before the convention, or they can turn the DNC into a mini-primary.
The Washington Post has published an explainer about the party’s options going forward, and what picking a new Democratic candidate looks like. The basics: Democrats can either hold a virtual roll call to select a nominee before the convention, or they can turn the DNC into a mini-primary.
Nancy Pelosi Says Biden “One of the Most Consequential Presidents in American History”
House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi — who reportedly worked behind the scenes to convince Biden to step aside— thanked Biden in a social media post for his service to the country.
“President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first," Pelosi wrote. "His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history."
She continued: “With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment.“
"God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness," Pelosi concluded.
“President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first," Pelosi wrote. "His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history."
She continued: “With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment.“
"God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness," Pelosi concluded.
Biden Hit A New Low In Recent Poll
A recent poll conducted by The Economist and YouGov America found that 49% of adult citizens believed Trump would win the election if Biden remained in the race.
Only 26% thought Biden would win.
See the poll results here
Only 26% thought Biden would win.
See the poll results here
Bill And Hillary Clinton Back Kamala Harris
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a joint statement Sunday backing Harris as the Democratic nominee.
The two thanked Biden for his lengthy career of public service and warned of the "threat posed by a second Trump term."
"Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we've got to elect her," they said.
See their full statement here.
The two thanked Biden for his lengthy career of public service and warned of the "threat posed by a second Trump term."
"Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we've got to elect her," they said.
See their full statement here.
Trump Now The Oldest Presidential Nominee In U.S. History
Biden stepping away from his reelection bid means Trump is now the oldest presidential nominee in U.S. history, Axios reports.
Trump is 78 years old. Biden was 77 when he was elected in 2020.
Harris, who Biden backed upon dropping out of the race Sunday, will be 60 on Inauguration Day.
Trump is 78 years old. Biden was 77 when he was elected in 2020.
Harris, who Biden backed upon dropping out of the race Sunday, will be 60 on Inauguration Day.
Hakeem Jeffries Responds To Biden Leaving 2024 Race
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) described Biden as “one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history” in a statement celebrating his presidential accomplishments.
“In less than one term, he reduced the nation from a once-in-a-century pandemic, brought the economy roaring back from the Brik of recession, enacted consequential legislation for everyday Americans and saved our democracy be defeating the Insurrectionist-in-Chief,” Jeffries said.
“In less than one term, he reduced the nation from a once-in-a-century pandemic, brought the economy roaring back from the Brik of recession, enacted consequential legislation for everyday Americans and saved our democracy be defeating the Insurrectionist-in-Chief,” Jeffries said.
DNC Promises 'Transparent And Orderly Process' To Select New Nominee
Democratic National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison released a statement Sunday on the upcoming process to select a new nominee.
"In the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November," Harrison said. "This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people."
He continued: “Democrats are prepared and united in our resolve to win in November. As we move forward to formally select our Party’s nominee, our values as Democrats remain the same – lowering costs, restoring freedom, protecting the rights of all people, and saving our democracy from the threat of dictatorship. We have and will continue to make this case to the American people."
“In short order, the American people will hear from the Democratic Party on next steps and the path forward for the nomination process," Harrison concluded.
"In the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November," Harrison said. "This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people."
He continued: “Democrats are prepared and united in our resolve to win in November. As we move forward to formally select our Party’s nominee, our values as Democrats remain the same – lowering costs, restoring freedom, protecting the rights of all people, and saving our democracy from the threat of dictatorship. We have and will continue to make this case to the American people."
“In short order, the American people will hear from the Democratic Party on next steps and the path forward for the nomination process," Harrison concluded.
Key Progressive Congresswoman Endorses Harris For President
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, offered an “enthusiastic endorsement” of Harris for president less than an hour after Biden announced he was dropping his campaign.
Jayapal announced the endorsement along with a lengthy statement praising Biden’s presidential accomplishments.
“I am forever grateful to President Biden for saving our country from COVID and a Donald Trump presidency, and for the tremendous legacy of service he has given to our country,” the statement concluded.
Read the whole statement here.
Jayapal announced the endorsement along with a lengthy statement praising Biden’s presidential accomplishments.
“I am forever grateful to President Biden for saving our country from COVID and a Donald Trump presidency, and for the tremendous legacy of service he has given to our country,” the statement concluded.
Read the whole statement here.
How History Might Remember Joe Biden's Presidency
Millions of new jobs, many in a flourishing new American manufacturing sector geared toward clean energy.
Higher prices at the grocery store, but also more dollars in paychecks.
A record low in the number of Americans without health insurance, plus a historic — if fleeting — reduction in child poverty.
Stronger international alliances, amid a bloody invasion of Ukraine and civilian catastrophe in the Middle East.
These are among the major developments tied to policy initiatives of Biden’s presidency — which, because of his decision not to seek reelection, will end one way or another by Jan. 20, 2025. By any reasonable standard, they add up to a tenure of enormous consequence.
Read more:
Higher prices at the grocery store, but also more dollars in paychecks.
A record low in the number of Americans without health insurance, plus a historic — if fleeting — reduction in child poverty.
Stronger international alliances, amid a bloody invasion of Ukraine and civilian catastrophe in the Middle East.
These are among the major developments tied to policy initiatives of Biden’s presidency — which, because of his decision not to seek reelection, will end one way or another by Jan. 20, 2025. By any reasonable standard, they add up to a tenure of enormous consequence.
Read more:
Jill Biden Posts Heart Emoji In Response To Biden Dropping Out
First lady Jill Biden posted a pink hearts emoji in response to her husband dropping out of the presidential race.
Biden's Granddaughter Encourages His Supporters To 'Keep The Faith'
Naomi Biden, the president's eldest granddaughter, posted a statement to X saying how proud she is of the decision he's made, and telling those who've had his back to "keep the faith."
"Not only has he been—and will continue to be—the most effective president of our lifetime, but he has likely already cemented himself as the most effective and impactful public servant in our nation’s history," she said. "He has been at the center of, and had a material impact on, literally every single major issue that our country and world has faced for 50 years."
Read her statement here.
"Not only has he been—and will continue to be—the most effective president of our lifetime, but he has likely already cemented himself as the most effective and impactful public servant in our nation’s history," she said. "He has been at the center of, and had a material impact on, literally every single major issue that our country and world has faced for 50 years."
Read her statement here.
Pete Buttigieg Praises Biden’s Presidency
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg celebrated Biden as “among the best and most consequential presidents in American history.”
“I am so proud to serve under his leadership, and thankful for his unwavering focus on what is best for our country,” Buttigieg posted on X.
“I am so proud to serve under his leadership, and thankful for his unwavering focus on what is best for our country,” Buttigieg posted on X.
Biden Spoke With Harris Ahead Of Announcement: Report
MSNBC reports Biden spoke with Harris before making his announcement today.
Donald Trump Says Kamala Harris Will Be Easier To Beat Than Joe Biden
Trump told CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins that he believes it will be easier to beat Harris than Biden in the 2024 race.
Just minutes after Biden dropped out of the race, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Biden was “not fit to run for president and “not fit to serve.”
Just minutes after Biden dropped out of the race, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Biden was “not fit to run for president and “not fit to serve.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson Calls On Biden To Resign 'Immediately'
After Biden announced he was dropping his reelection bid, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called on Biden to "resign the office immediately."
"If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately," Johnson said in a statement posted to X. "November 5 cannot arrive soon enough."
Johnson claimed the Democratic party "forced" Biden off the ballot, and said Harris — who Biden endorsed — "co-owns the disastrous policy failures" of the current administration.
See his entire statement here.
"If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately," Johnson said in a statement posted to X. "November 5 cannot arrive soon enough."
Johnson claimed the Democratic party "forced" Biden off the ballot, and said Harris — who Biden endorsed — "co-owns the disastrous policy failures" of the current administration.
See his entire statement here.
Former Biden Chief Of Staff Ron Klain Gets Petty After News Of Drop Out
Ron Klain, who served as Biden’s chief of staff and continues to be a fierce ally of the president, posted on social media implying that Biden dropping out is due to Democratic donors and politicians pressuring him.
“Now that the donors and electeds have pushed out the only candidate who has ever beaten Trump, it’s time to end the political fantasy games and unite behind the only veteran of a national campaign – our outstanding [vice president], Kamala Harris,” Klain wrote on X. “Let’s get real and win in November!”
“Now that the donors and electeds have pushed out the only candidate who has ever beaten Trump, it’s time to end the political fantasy games and unite behind the only veteran of a national campaign – our outstanding [vice president], Kamala Harris,” Klain wrote on X. “Let’s get real and win in November!”
Donald Trump Says Joe Biden Was ‘Not Fit To Run For President’
Just minutes after Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Biden was “not fit to run for president.”
“Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was,” Trump wrote. “He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement. All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn’t capable of being President, and he wasn’t - And now, look what he’s done to our Country, with millions of people coming across our Border, totally unchecked and unvetted, many from prisons, mental institutions, and record numbers of terrorists. We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
“Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was,” Trump wrote. “He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement. All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn’t capable of being President, and he wasn’t - And now, look what he’s done to our Country, with millions of people coming across our Border, totally unchecked and unvetted, many from prisons, mental institutions, and record numbers of terrorists. We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Joe Biden Endorses Kamala Harris
Biden immediately threw his support behind Harris.
"My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term," Biden wrote on X. "My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this."
"My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term," Biden wrote on X. "My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this."
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