WASHINGTON — Top Democrats Laud Biden’s Legacy and Endorse Kamala Harris as 2024 Nominee Amidst Republican Calls for Resignation

In the aftermath of President Joe Biden’s surprising announcement to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, leading Democrats have come forward to praise his accomplishments and express support for Vice President Kamala Harris as his preferred successor. Biden’s departure has prompted a range of reactions from both parties, with Democrats celebrating his legacy and Republicans calling for his resignation.

Following Biden’s formal announcement, which he conveyed via a letter on Sunday afternoon, he publicly endorsed Kamala Harris on X (formerly known as Twitter). Harris responded with a statement expressing profound gratitude for Biden’s endorsement. She pledged to work diligently to secure the Democratic nomination, emphasizing her dedication to continuing Biden’s policies and vision for the country.

Harris celebrated Biden’s presidency, highlighting what she deemed an “unmatched” legacy in modern American history. She asserted that Biden’s achievements surpass those of many two-term presidents, underscoring his commitment to public service. “With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else,” Harris stated, acknowledging Biden’s significant impact on the nation.

However, despite Harris’s endorsement, prominent Democratic leaders have yet to formally endorse her or any other candidate. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., released a statement commending Biden’s leadership and character. “Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he is a truly amazing human being,” Schumer said. He highlighted his long-standing professional relationship with Biden and praised his dedication to the nation.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., also offered high praise for Biden, describing him as “one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history.” Jeffries emphasized Biden’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery efforts, and his successful 2020 campaign against Trump as major accomplishments of his presidency.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., a significant figure within the Democratic Party, expressed her gratitude for Biden’s service. In a post on X, Pelosi described Biden as embodying “greatness and goodness,” highlighting his “patriotic” approach to leadership and his substantial impact on American history. While Pelosi conveyed deep respect for Biden’s tenure, she did not endorse any candidate for the 2024 election.

Former President Barack Obama released a comprehensive statement praising Biden’s achievements, including his handling of the pandemic, job creation, and groundbreaking gun safety legislation. Obama noted Biden’s role in guiding the country away from the tumultuous Trump administration. “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 decisions in his life,” Obama wrote. “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.”

Obama refrained from endorsing any specific candidate in his statement.

In a joint statement, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed their support for Harris, emphasizing their intention to actively back her candidacy. They highlighted their concerns about a potential second term for Donald Trump and the importance of the upcoming election. The Clintons’ endorsement underscores their apprehension regarding the future direction of the country under a possible Trump administration.

Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., a key figure in Democratic politics who played a crucial role in reviving Biden’s 2020 campaign, publicly endorsed Harris. Clyburn lauded Biden’s decision to select Harris as his running mate and expressed full support for her candidacy to succeed him. “President Biden has improved the lives of countless Americans through his selfless service,” Clyburn said, affirming his longstanding friendship with Biden and appreciation for his leadership.

Presidential historian and former journalist Jon Meacham, who has contributed to key speeches for Biden, described Biden’s withdrawal as a significant moment in presidential history. Meacham praised Biden’s decision to prioritize the nation’s needs over personal ambition, noting the broader implications for American governance.

Republican Responses and Calls for Resignation

In stark contrast, many Republicans have responded to Biden’s decision with calls for his resignation from the presidency, arguing that his withdrawal from the 2024 race indicates his unfitness to continue in office.

Former President Donald Trump, a prominent figure in Republican circles, took to Truth Social to criticize Biden. Trump labeled Biden as “Crooked Joe Biden,” accusing him of being unfit for the presidency and attributing his electoral victory to “lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement.” Trump expressed his belief that Biden’s presidency has inflicted substantial damage on the nation, asserting that a remedy would be quickly implemented with his return to office. “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump concluded, reinforcing his campaign slogan.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and other Republican lawmakers echoed Trump’s sentiments, calling for Biden’s immediate resignation. Johnson contended that if Biden is unfit to run for re-election, he should not remain in office for the duration of his term. “November 5 cannot arrive soon enough,” Johnson said, referring to the upcoming election date.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who has had a history of working with Biden, criticized the current administration’s performance. McConnell claimed that the country is “less prosperous and less secure” compared to when Biden took office and accused Democrats of attempting to overturn the will of the American people by pushing Biden out of the race. “We cannot afford four more years of failure,” McConnell asserted, framing Biden’s departure as a necessary step toward ensuring a different outcome in the upcoming election.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the divergent reactions from Democrats and Republicans underscore the profound implications of Biden’s withdrawal for the 2024 presidential race. The endorsements and criticisms that follow will play a crucial role in shaping the electoral battle and determining the future trajectory of American politics.