Top Democrats in Congress unanimously praised President Biden for abandoning his 2024 re-election campaign — but stopped short of endorsing his running-mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, to replace him as their party’s leader.
Top Democrats in Congress unanimously praised President Biden for abandoning his 2024 re-election campaign — but stopped short of endorsing his running-mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, to replace him as their party’s leader.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and House Speaker emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) had pressured Biden, 81, to withdraw based on disastrous polling numbers and public concerns about his mental fitness in the weeks since his abysmal June 27 debate against former President Donald Trump.
Each, along with former President Barack Obama, celebrated his decision to announce the suspension of his campaign on Sunday — without immediately backing his endorsement of Harris to replace him.
“Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he’s a truly amazing human being,” Schumer said in a statement on X. “His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first. Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American.”
“In less than one term, he rescued the nation from a once-in-a-century pandemic, brought the economy roaring back from the brink of recession, enacted consequential legislation for everyday Americans and saved our democracy by defeating the Insurrectionist-in-Chief,” added Jeffries on X. “We are forever grateful.”
“God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness,” Pelosi also gushed on X. “His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history.”
Among senior congressional Democrats, only Rep. Jim Clyburn was quick to follow Biden’s lead and endorse Harris.
