Political leaders, including Trump, VP Harris, react to Biden’s decision to end 2024 campaign

WASHINGTON — After President Joe Biden announced he was ending his campaign for reelection in 2024, political leaders across the United States began reacting to the news.

PHOTOS: Joe Biden’s political career through the years

Once Biden announced his decision, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee.

>> President Joe Biden drops out of 2024 Presidential race, endorses Kamala Harris

Democrats and Republicans took to social media to share their thoughts after the announcement and endorsement.

Harris thanked Biden, saying it is an honor to serve as his Vice President, and that it’s her intention to “earn and win this nomination.”

“On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country. His remarkable legacy of accomplishment is unmatched in modern American history, surpassing the legacy of many Presidents who have served two terms in office.

“It is a profound honor to serve as his Vice President, and I am deeply grateful to the President, Dr. Biden, and the entire Biden family. I first came to know President Biden through his son Beau. We were friends from our days working together as Attorneys General of our home states. As we worked together, Beau would tell me stories about his Dad. The kind of father—and the kind of man—he was. And the qualities Beau revered in his father are the same qualities, the same values, I have seen every single day in Joe’s leadership as President: His honesty and integrity. His big heart and commitment to his faith and his family. And his love of our country and the American people.

“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.

“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination. Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead. I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

“We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, posted a statement to Truth Social on Sunday afternoon, saying Biden was “not fit to run for president” and “not fit to serve.”

Former President Barack Obama issued a statement calling Biden a “patriot of the highest order.”

“Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded — again — that he’s a patriot of the highest order.

“Sixteen years ago, when I began my search for a vice president, I knew about Joe’s remarkable career in public service. But what I came to admire even more was his character — his deep empathy and hard-earned resilience; his fundamental decency and belief that everyone counts.

“Since taking office, President Biden has displayed that character again and again. He helped end the pandemic, created millions of jobs, lowered the cost of prescription drugs, passed the first major piece of gun safety legislation in 30 years, made the biggest investment to address climate change in history, and fought to ensure the rights of working people to organize for fair wages and benefits. Internationally, he restored America’s standing in the world, revitalized NATO, and mobilized the world to stand up against Russian aggression in Ukraine.

“More than that, President Biden pointed us away from the four years of chaos, falsehood, and division that had characterized Donald Trump’s administration. Through his policies and his example, Joe has reminded us of who we are at our best — a country committed to old-fashioned values like trust and honesty, kindness and hard work; a country that believes in democracy, rule of law, and accountability; a country that insists that everyone, no matter who they are, has a voice and deserves a chance at a better life.

“This outstanding track record gave President Biden every right to run for re-election and finish the job he started. Joe understands better than anyone the stakes in this election — how everything he has fought for throughout his life, and everything that the Democratic Party stands for, will be at risk if we allow Donald Trump back in the White House and give Republicans control of Congress.

“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.

“We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges. I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August. And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.

“For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times — and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on.”

Donald Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, called Biden the “worst president” in his lifetime.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running for president as a member of the “We The People” party, took to X with a statement commending Biden for stepping down.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro issued a statement calling Biden a “patriot who has served our country honorably,” referencing his time in the Senate and as Vice President.

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey issued a statement saying Biden was a “valuable partner” in his work to make Pittsburgh the “safest, most welcoming city in America.”

Donald Trump Jr. offered remarks on Biden’s decision to endorse Harris, calling her “even more liberal and less competent than Joe.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Biden will “go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents.”

Sen. Bob Casey posted a statement to X on Sunday afternoon.

Dave McCormick, who’s currently in his own campaign for the U.S. Senate, posted a statement as well.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton posted a joint statement.

House Speaker Mike Johnson posted a statement urging Americans to “be clear about what just happened.”

Nancy Pelosi said Biden has “always put our country first.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders said Biden served America with “honor and dignity.”

Sen. John Kerry said Biden deserves the “gratitude of every American for his extraordinary presidency.”

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene shared her thoughts on Biden’s decisions.

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