Democrats React to Biden’s Departure From 2024 Race

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks during the weekly Senate presser in the U.S. Capitol building on July 9, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

WASHINGTON—Democrats are reacting to President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 race for the presidency, thanking the president for his service.

Some immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, whom the president backed after announcing his decision to withdraw on July 21. Others did not mention Ms. Harris, suggesting support for an open nomination process.

“Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he’s a truly amazing human being,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote in a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. “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.”

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) wrote in a social media post, “God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness.”

In a separate statement, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) called President Biden “one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history.”

“America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity,” Mr. Jeffries said. “We are forever grateful.”

A number of Democrats have thrown their support behind Ms. Harris. The vice president announced her intention to “earn and win this nomination” not long after news of President Biden’s withdrawal.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a joint statement, “We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her.

“Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we’ve got to elect her. America’s future depends on it.”

Among the vice president’s congressional supporters are Congressional Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.); Rep. Nanette D. Barragán (D-Calif.), chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus; Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.); and Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).

“I’m looking forward to working with my friend @KamalaHarris and a great ticket mate to keep Virginia blue so that we can continue to build on our progress,” Mr. Kaine wrote on X.

Ms. Jayapal said in a statement, “She will mobilize and energize our base to re-engage and ensure that we turn out every single voter across the country and deliver victory in November.”

Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), one of President Biden’s staunchest allies in Congress and co-chair of his 2024 campaign, also endorsed Ms. Harris.

“One of President Biden’s first decisions as the nominee was to select a running mate that he believed possessed the values and vision necessary to continue this country’s pursuit toward a ’more perfect Union,'” he said in a statement. “I am proud to follow his lead in support of her candidacy.”

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also threw his support behind Ms. Harris, writing on X, “I do everything I can to help elect [Ms. Harris] as the 47th President of the United States.”

Some prominent Democrats did not mention Ms. Harris in their statements responding to President Biden’s announcement.

Former President Barack Obama indicated support for an open nomination process.

“I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges,” he wrote in a lengthy statement.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore did not mention the vice president in their statements praising President Biden. There has been speculation about both governors as possible replacements for President Biden at the top of the ticket.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, also floated as a possible candidate, endorsed Ms. Harris later on July 21. Calling her tough, tenacious, and fearless, he said on social media that “no person is better able to prosecute” the case against former President Donald Trump than the vice president.

Republicans were critical both of the decision and the administration more broadly.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) portrayed it as a matter of party elites’ trying to override the will of the people in the Democratic primaries.

“Having invalidated the votes of more than 14 million Americans who selected Joe Biden to be the Democrat nominee for president, the self-proclaimed ‘party of democracy’ has proven exactly the opposite,” Mr. Johnson wrote in a statement on X.

He also called on President Biden to resign, saying his decision to drop out indicated that he is not fit to serve as president.

The call was repeated by House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), who wrote, “He must immediately resign.”