In CSRA and across U.S., leaders react to Biden dropping out

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Reaction has started pouring in after President Joe Biden announced Sunday afternoon he would not be seeking re-election.

Reaction was swift, with Democratic leaders largely praising Biden’s decision as selfless, while many Republicans urged him to resign from office entirely.

Biden almost immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be his replacement as Democratic nominee, and she said she intends to seek the nomination.

Here’s what Biden said:

Here’s some of the reaction from political leaders in Georgia, South Carolina and across the country:

Vice President Kamala Harris: “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, suring the legacy of many Presidents who have served two 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: “Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was! 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!”

GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance: “Joe Biden has been the worst President in my lifetime and Kamala Harris has been right there with him every step of the way. Over the last four years she co-signed Biden’s open border and green scam policies that drove up the cost of housing and groceries. She owns all of these failures, and she lied for nearly four years about Biden’s mental capacity--saddling the nation with a president who can’t do the job. President Trump and I are ready to save America, whoever’s at the top of the Democrat ticket. Bring it on.”

Former President Barack Obama: “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. ... Since taking office, President Biden has displayed that character again and again. ... 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 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. ... 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.” Full statement: https://barackobama.medium.com/my-statement-on-president-bidens-announcement-1eb78b3ba3fc

Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock: “I millions of Americans in thanking Joe Biden for a half century of public service! I’ve been proud to work alongside him & our very able Vice President, Kamala Harris. I am proud to endorse her candidacy to be the next President of the United States.”

Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga.: “Pres. Biden’s record and decades of service to the country are extraordinary and historic. Thank you, @POTUS. Vice President Harris is now absolutely the right candidate to defeat Donald Trump and unite our country. Kamala Harris is prepared, ready to win, & has my full .”

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.: “I understand and respect President Biden’s decision not to seek reelection. While we have political differences, I appreciate his lifelong service to our nation, which he dearly loves. I have known President Biden for over 25 years, traveling the world together pursuing America’s interests as we saw it “He has devoted his entire life to public service for the people of Delaware and the United States, and I wish him and his family well as this chapter in his life comes to an end.”

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.: “What greater threat to democracy than a party ... who covers up the president’s health & lies for power. …whose rhetoric incites an assassination attempt. …who weaponizes the legal system to lock up political opponents. The left will stop at nothing when they’re losing.”

U.S. Rep. Rick Allen, R-Augusta: “Joe Biden knew he would be fired in November and finally accepted that the American people are fed up with his radical policies and glaring weakness on the world stage. The Democratic party is in total disarray, but rather than allow Joe Biden to face his all but certain defeat, Washington Democrats forced him out. Rest assured, no matter who the Democrats put on the ballot, I will continue working to grow the House Republican majority, win the Senate, and secure four more years of Donald J. Trump as President of the United States. Together, we can make America great once again!”

Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C.: “I’ve had the honor and privilege of calling President Joe Biden a friend for many years. When I endorsed then-candidate Biden in 2020, I noted how I could think of no one with the integrity and no one more committed to the fundamental principles that form the foundation of our great country than him. He has used those principles to bring the American people together through incredible trials and unfamiliar terrain. He’s pursued an agenda that addresses the inequities in our health care system, the unaffordability of higher education, our outdated roads and bridges, the gun violence epidemic, access to affordable high-speed broadband, and so much more. President Biden has improved the lives of countless Americans through his selfless service, and I thank him for his unparagoned leadership. “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.’ I echo the good judgment he demonstrated in selecting Vice President Harris to lead this nation alongside him, and I am proud to follow his lead in of her candidacy to succeed him as the Democratic Party’s 2024 nominee for President.”

Georgia Democratic Party: Chair Rep. Nikema Williams said, “We thank President Joe Biden for his decades of public service. For the past three and a half years, President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have led our country’s recovery from a global pandemic and made investments that have already created 30,000 new jobs in Georgia.President Biden said Georgia made him president, and he’s right. There is more work to be done. Our eyes are on the prize.We must defeat the twice-impeached, failed, 34-time convicted felon Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. We stand firmly behind Vice President Harris to make it happen.”

South Carolina Democratic Party: Chairwoman Christale Spain said, “We appreciate President Biden’s decades of service to the nation. South Carolina’s Democratic Delegates President Biden in endorsing Vice President Harris as our nominee. We must move forward in unity for the sake of democracy; by selecting President Biden in February, South Carolina Democrats also selected the Vice President for her ability to lead. Vice President Harris has been fully vetted, and she has earned our unwavering . It will be an honor to vote for her as our party’s nominee next month.”

South Carolina GOP: South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick said, “The Democrats tried to kick President Trump off the ballot in multiple states, then they turned the judicial system into a pawn of political warfare, and now they’re making Joe Biden tap out in hopes it will fix their problems. I recommend they simply it the truth: the American people don’t their ideas or their record. No change of players can fix that for them, and Donald J. Trump will be the 47th President of the United States of America.”

Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson: “I do not want to comment on this issue as my role as mayor is a nonpartisan role.”

Richmond County Party: “President Joe Biden’s announcement that he will not be seeking re-election to the presidency marks a significant moment in our nation’s history, and we commend President Biden for his decades of dedicated service to our country. President Biden’s service as President of the United States has been marked by substantial achievements, including guiding the country through unprecedented challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and spearheading key initiatives like the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. His istration has focused on building a stronger, more equitable economy, tackling climate change, and promoting justice and equity for all Americans. We are deeply grateful to President Biden for his unwavering leadership and the progress made under his istration. His decision not to seek reelection is a testament to his integrity and commitment to securing the future for our country. We remain dedicated to building on the foundation he has established as we stand united behind Vice President Kamala Harris to get the job done. As we approach the election cycle, the Richmond County Democratic Party encourages all of our community to stay engaged, informed, and active in the democratic process. Together, we can continue to drive meaningful change and uphold the principles of democracy that define our nation.”

Columbia County Democratic Party: “We thank President Biden for his years of leadership and decades of selfless public service. He is a leader who has always put his country above his own interests. By not accepting his party’s nomination, President Biden has once again proven to be the selfless leader we have always known him to be. Democrats stand united in defeating Donald Trump and his Project 2025 agenda. We stand united behind Vice President Harris to continue the vision Democrats have for a better America built from the middle out, not trickle down. Together we will build an America that works for all Americans. For the past three and a half years, President Biden and Vice President Harris have led our country’s recovery from a global pandemic, and made investments that created 30,000 new jobs in Georgia. President Biden said Georgia made him President, and he’s right. There is more work to be done and our eyes are on the prize. We must defeat the twice impeached, failed, 34-time convicted felon Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. We stand firmly behind Vice President Harris to make it happen.”

Debbie Epling, Aiken County GOP chair: “Our whole outlook now has to change a little bit. We’re not sure how it’s going to change, but it’ll change somehow. I do think it was a good idea. ... I’m probably one of those few Republicans, though, that I think the reason he dropped out, it should have been because he does have some issues, and I think they should be more concerned with his health, rather than whether they can win the race or whether the polling numbers are low, because I was more concerned about his health than anything else. ... If you watched the debate three weeks ago, it was very obvious that he had some cognitive issues. And now, on top of everything, he’s got COVID, and it’s just been kind of sad to watch him go downhill like he has. ... Well, obviously, they better find someone that’s really, really, really good, because it is going to be tough to beat the Republican, the Republican ticket this year, President Trump, at the convention this week, he was on top of his game. JD Vance, Sen. Vance, he is just phenomenal. So the Democrats are really gonna have to be on top of their game to be able to beat that ticket.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.: “Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he is a truly amazing human being. 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.”

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.: “For four years, the American people have faced historic inflation at home, chaos at the border, and weak leadership on the world stage. Our nation is less prosperous and less secure than it was in January, 2021. We cannot afford four more years of failure. “Unfortunately, the Democratic Party has been busy in recent weeks trying to upend the expressed will of the American people in primary elections across the country. Washington Democrats have not proven themselves any more capable than the President of delivering the secure borders, safe streets, and stable prices that working families deserve. They are selling open borders, higher prices, climate radicalism, and soft-on-crime policies, and the American people are not buying.”

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La: “At this unprecedented juncture in American history, we must be clear about what just happened. The Democrat Party forced the Democrat nominee off the ballot, just over 100 days before the election. 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. The party’s prospects are no better now with Vice President Kamala Harris, who co-owns the disastrous policy failures of the Biden istration. As second in command and a completely inept border czar, Harris has been a gleeful accomplice — not only in the destruction of American sovereignty, security, and prosperity, but also in the largest political coverup in U.S. history. She has known for as long as anyone of his incapacity to serve. Regardless of the chaos in the current White House, our adversaries around the globe should be reminded that the U.S. Congress, the U.S. military, and the American people are fully prepared and committed to defend our interests both at home and abroad. If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough.”

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.: “President Joe Biden is one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history. 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. America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity. We are forever grateful.”

U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill.: “Throughout his public career, Joe Biden always put country first. His four years as President made it clear that he was determined to put our country back on track and restore the soul of our nation. America will be forever grateful for all he has given to this country. Now the Democratic Party must unite behind a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump and keep America moving in the right direction. I will do everything in my power to help that effort.”

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.: “President Biden has served with integrity and delivered results that will strengthen our country for generations to come. He ed historic legislation investing in our infrastructure, manufacturing and lowering the cost of prescription drugs. I am deeply grateful for his service, dedication, and commitment to our country and our democracy. President Biden is choosing the honorable path today.”

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, R-Va.: “This nation owes Joe Biden a debt of gratitude for putting everything on hold to run in 2020 and taking the reins as President during a particularly turbulent time. He charted a bright path forward for our nation after four tumultuous years under the former istration. President Biden has made historic contributions to our nation. His love of country and loyalty to the American people has been unwavering. He will undoubtedly go down in the history books as a true American patriot. After all he’s done, I respect President Biden’s difficult decision to step aside in this election, and I look forward to hearing more from him later this week. 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. This November, we must defeat Donald Trump and his backwards agenda.”

Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison: “The American people owe President Biden an enormous debt of gratitude for the unparalleled progress he has delivered over the last four years – and we will honor that legacy, and the decision that he has made today, through a firm commitment to nominating and electing a Democratic president this November who will carry that torch into the next four years. The work that we must do now, while unprecedented, is clear. 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. 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. 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.”

Democratic National Convention Chair Minyon Moore: “Here in Chicago, our mission remains the same. During the convention, we will have an opportunity to show the country and the world who Democrats are and what we stand for. Over the past year, we have been building the stage – literally and figuratively – for President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Democrats to tell our story to the American people. The historic progress Democrats achieved under the Biden-Harris istration will still be central to that story, as will the story of what is at stake in this election.”

Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga.: “Democrat party bosses lied to 14 million voters that President Biden was fit to serve another term. Now that Biden has stepped aside, those same party bosses are conspiring to anoint a new candidate, whose legacy as ‘Border Czar’ is stained with the blood of thousands of Americans who have died due to the fentanyl and criminals who have come across our wide-open southern border, including Laken Riley right here in Georgia. This is the least democratic nomination process in American history. Washington Democrats will be held able for steamrolling and misleading the American people come November.”

Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga.: “I have been ride-or-die loyal to President Biden, who has led our nation out of the dark days of the COVID pandemic, the January 6th Insurrection, and the worst economy since the Great Recession. Under his leadership, America has reclaimed her position as leader of the free world, our economy is the strongest in the world, and our nation is poised for future growth and prosperity. I thank President Biden for his leadership and service to our nation, and I pledge my to Vice President Kamala Harris. Together, we will defeat Donald Trump and his Project 2025 agenda, and elect Kamala Harris to finish the job that Biden/Harris started.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.: “Joe Biden has served our country with honor and dignity. As the first president to ever walk on a picket line with striking workers, he has been the most pro-working class president in modern American history. Thank you, Mr. President, for all you’ve done.”

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.: “It has been an honor to work with Joe Biden to deliver real, meaningful change for working Wisconsinites across our state. Today, seniors are paying less for their prescription drugs, our state has been put to work rebuilding our infrastructure, and millions of Wisconsinites with preexisting conditions have health care coverage because of the work we’ve done together. Throughout all of that work, I’ve been inspired by his decency, integrity, and dedication to service, and I am deeply grateful for that. Thank you, President Biden.” ... “Today I’m proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States. I look forward to her candidacy as a new beginning for our party and our country and I am excited to work with her to lower costs for Wisconsin families, grow our Made in America economy, and restore our fundamental rights and freedoms.”

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y.: “If Joe Biden can’t run for re-election, he is unable and unfit to serve as President of the United States. He must immediately resign. The Democrat Party is in absolute free fall for their blatantly corrupt and desperate attempt to cover up the fact that Joe Biden is unfit for office. Every elected Democrat in America owns Joe Biden’s failed and feckless record causing the border crisis, Bidenflation, and chaos and weakness around the world. President Trump will win this November to save America.”

Jill Biden: The first lady responded by reposting the president’s letter announcing his decision and adding red heart emojis.

Naomi Biden Neal: The president’s granddaughter said on social media that “I’m nothing but proud of my Pop.” She said he has served the country “with every bit of his soul and with unmatched distinction” and that “our world is better today in so many ways thanks to him.”

Rep. Dan Kildee D-Mich.: “As a United States Senator, Vice President and now President, Joe Biden has dedicated his life in service to the American people. He has been a remarkable and effective president with historic accomplishments. I look forward to continuing to work with President Biden as he completes his term. Because of President Biden’s leadership, America came out of the pandemic with the strongest economy in the world. Working with a Democratic Congress, President Biden signed historic legislation to cut taxes for working families and rebuild our country’s infrastructure. He made the single largest investment to combat climate change and for the first time in three decades ed a law to reduce gun violence. President Biden restored America’s reputation around the world, strengthening our alliances, expanding the NATO, and helping to promote democracy around the globe. Joe Biden will go down in history as one of America’s most effective presidents. Not only has he been an extraordinary leader with many accomplishments, but he has also shown the American people how to lead with honesty, decency and empathy. All Americans owe President Biden a debt a gratitude for his decades of service to the American people.”

Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore.: “Four years ago, the sheer scale and scope of President Biden’s accomplishments would have seemed inconceivable. We faced a cascade of crises: a deadly pandemic, insurrection, and an economy in freefall. The president led our nation back from the brink. He reestablished our reputation on the international stage. He enacted landmark legislation to rebuild and renew America, lower prescription drug prices, bolster domestic manufacturing, and combat the climate crisis in the single largest investment made by any government at any point in history. Today, President Joe Biden cemented his legacy in American history as the greatest president in the last 50 years. He made the right decision to spend the remainder of his presidency implementing his landmark achievements rather than fighting a campaign against Donald Trump. I am encouraged that President Biden can devote his full attention to this work. “Now, we must refocus our efforts on defending our democracy and defeating Trump in November.”

Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo.: “I am not surprised President Biden decided to bow out of a race he knew he was going to lose. During the past few weeks, the American people have seen President Donald Trump surge ahead in polls and show he is ready to lead our nation while President Biden’s severe cognitive decline has rendered him too weak to continue his campaign. He is unfit to run in November, which will start a conversation about whether he is able to continue to serve as our nation’s president through the end of the year.”

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La.: “I’ve pointed out for two years that President Biden’s mental capacity has been declining. In that time, he’s thrown the country, the economy, and the Democratic party into total disarray. This decision is overdue.”

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams: “President Joe Biden deserves our deep gratitude for his lifetime of public service and leadership. For the past four years, we have made progress together to reverse Trump’s dangerous policies and worked tirelessly to defend our fundamental freedoms and democracy. Now, the growing threat of a second Trump term means Democrats at all levels of the ballot must unite against the MAGA agenda and the catastrophic impacts it has on the everyday lives of Americans. “As we thank President Biden for all he has done, we must recommit to the vital work of building strong campaigns in states across the country and winning this election by ing Democrats up and down the ticket.”

Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M.: “President Biden has devoted his life to serving the American people and putting working families first. I know President Biden, and I respect him, his character, and his strong leadership. There is no one like him. President Biden accomplished what his predecessor could not — landmark investments in infrastructure and growing the economy, lowering prescription drug costs, and addressing the climate crisis. His legacy will be among the strongest of any American president. I know his decision to step aside was not taken lightly. I thank President Biden for his decades of service to the American people and I will fight to ensure that we keep the White House in November.”

Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo.: “America is a better, stronger country because of President Biden’s decades of public service and dedication to the American Dream. Four years ago, President Biden was the only person in the country who could beat Donald Trump. He overcame Trump’s chaos and contempt for our nation’s long-held commitment to pluralism, civil rights, and the rule of law. He rejected Ronald Reagan’s failed trickle-down economics, and championed working American families. “President Biden deserves all honor for his record in office.”

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore.: “I thank Joe Biden for his many years of exemplary service, and am grateful to have worked together during his very productive years as President of the United States. Now we must move forward and come together as a country to help Kamala Harris beat Donald Trump and J.D. Vance.”

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala.: “For 3 ½ years, the corrupt media and the deep state bureaucracy have lied to the American people. Today, President Biden finally itted that President Trump was right all along: Joe Biden was never mentally fit to be President. Democrats and the media knew Joe Biden had serious cognitive issues and they used him as their puppet for as long as they could. Now, they’re trying to gaslight Democrat voters into thinking they have a say when clearly the Democrat elites are running the show. Democrats and the complicit media must be held able for this massive cover-up. If Joe Biden is unfit to run again, he is unfit to hold the nuclear codes. I my colleagues in demanding that President Biden resign immediately.”

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa: “The American ppl are sick & tired of the Biden-Harris open border policies + high cost of living crushing family budgets. A change in candidate doesn’t fool anyone Changing horses midstream isn’t going to stop the bad policies +reckless agenda at the top of the Democrat ticket.”

Rep. William Gregory Steube, R-Fla.: “Not running for reelection is a clear ission that President Trump was right all along about Biden not being mentally fit enough to serve as Commander-in-Chief. It’s disturbing and reckless that he’s been “running” the country as long as he has.”

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Sen. Gary Peters: “President Biden has been and will continue to serve as one of our country’s greatest presidents, achieving tremendous results on issues that matter most to American families, and leading with purpose, dignity and resolve. His decision unifies our party and ensures Democrats are in the strongest possible position to defend our Senate majority.”

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev.: “I’m grateful for President Biden’s lifetime of service and contributions to our nation. Time and time again, he has delivered for hardworking Nevadans. I respect his deeply personal and courageous decision and look forward to working with him as he finishes his historic term.”

Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kan.: “President Biden’s open southern border, big government spending and overreach, and weaponization of the federal government has hurt all Americans. I am confident that the November elections will give Republicans success up and down the ballot. No matter the Democratic nominee, Republicans have better ideas to unite Americans and save the country. Americans continue to voice their desire for leadership that will restore order and get our country back on track, and I am committed to doing that.”

Sen. Angus King, I-Maine: “In his farewell address, George Washington said, ‘that, in withdrawing the tender of service which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful respect.’ Like our first president, Joe Biden recognizes that the presidency is not about one person, or one party. It’s about the American people. And today, in one of the most challenging geopolitical moments in history, the American people are in need of a new leader who can take on those abroad who are trying to destroy freedom and democracy, while also meeting our challenges here at home and ensuring our nation lives up to its highest ideals. President Biden’s decision to step aside from his reelection run will cement his legacy among some of the greatest statesmen in our country’s history. Biden’s decision today continues his sound commitment to service and is the ultimate act of patriotism.”

Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine: “Our nation was still in the throes of a global pandemic and just days removed from a violent insurrection when Joe Biden took office. In the months and years that have followed, President Biden rose to an extraordinary moment in America’s history, not only leading us through an historic recovery from the pandemic, but driving transformational investments in climate and infrastructure, lowering drug prices for seniors, and rallying the world to stand up for Ukraine and democracy. Joe Biden has been an exceptional president and it’s been an honor to work with him and his istration. We have achieved so much. Once again, President Biden has met the moment and made the careful decision to withdraw from the 2024 race — putting what’s best for the American people and our country first and ing the torch to the next generation of leaders. Our goal remains the same: ensure Donald Trump does not end up back in the White House. The stakes could not be greater.”

U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine: “President Biden’s choice to not seek the nomination for a second term as president is the right decision for the good of the country,” Golden said.

Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt.: “Today, Joe Biden made a difficult and selfless choice. He put our democracy and the future of our nation ahead of himself. For this, and for all he has done, Joe Biden will be ed as one of the greatest presidents of our time. His agenda, which has unified our party, will be his legacy. His ability to overcome personal tragedy has inspired generations of Americans.”

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.: “From the bottom of my heart, I thank him for his effective and successful leadership and for, once again, putting our country before himself. This difficult decision ensures that Democrats can focus on the goal that unites each and every one of us: defeating Donald Trump and preventing another four years of his destructive chaos and corruption.”

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.: “Joe Biden will go down in history as one of the most effective, consequential presidents in our nation’s history. He led us out of a pandemic and rebuilt our economy, creating more jobs than any first term president. He restored our place on the world stage, heroically leading the global response to Russia’s war in Ukraine and strengthening NATO. He helped legislation to transform our infrastructure, cut prescription drug prices, lower energy costs, and tackle climate change. And of course, because of Joe Biden, we ed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first gun safety legislation in 30 years. Joe Biden has always put his country first. He knows the risk Donald Trump poses to our democracy, mandating that our number one priority must be defeating Trump this fall. I know this decision was agonizing for him, but once again, his love of country shines through. A nation turns its grateful eyes to Joe Biden for his world changing service and his constant selflessness.”

Senator Eric Schmitt, R-Mo.: “Joe Biden’s time in elected office is far past its expiration date. Biden’s three-and-a-half-year tenure in the White House has brought Americans crushing inflation, an abysmal foreign policy record, and a vastly unchecked expansion of the istrative state. Americans are ready for new leadership, not more of the same from Democrats - regardless of who they now scramble to nominate. Further, if Joe Biden isn’t fit enough to serve as a candidate after the primary, he isn’t fit to serve as president now.”

Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan.: “President Biden has dedicated his life to serving our country and his time as our President has restored decency to the highest office. By stepping aside from the presidential race today, he has once again put the future of our country first. Now is the time for a new generation of leadership capable of defeating Donald Trump and fighting back against the growing extremism in our nation. Kansas families remain my top priority, and I am committed to doing everything in my power to deliver for them this November and beyond.”

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska: “I respect President Biden’s decision to act in the best interest of the country by stepping aside in the 2024 presidential election.”

Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla.: “Following a catastrophic debate performance in which he could not communicate coherent thoughts and multiple recent interviews that showcased his cognitive decline, President Biden acknowledged today that he is not up to the challenge of seeking re-election. Given this ission, the President should immediately resign from office. It’s a tacit ission he is certainly not fit to serve the rest of his term. The world is watching and we’ve seen throughout his floundering Presidency that our adversaries will exploit his weakness and vulnerability. As Democrats scramble to reshuffle the chairs on the deck of the Titanic through backroom deals with liberal elites, I am proud of the way our party is united and working together to restore an America First agenda.”

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D.: “If he’s ending his campaign because he’s incapable of doing the job, then he should resign as POTUS. If he’s ending his campaign because he cannot convince enough people he should be re-elected, he deserves credit for having a lucid moment. He and every liberal apologist has been caught in their fraud, and his presidency will be forever ed as a miserable failure.”

Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii: “For over 50 years, Joe Biden has been a selfless patriot and dedicated public servant who’s given everything to the country he so dearly loves. As a senator, vice president, and now president, he has spent most of his life working to make people’s lives better and the world safer. Today, yet again, he has put the country before himself, making the best choice for the American people in this uniquely consequential moment. For that, and for his lifetime of service, we should all be deeply grateful. It’s not an overstatement to say Joe Biden has been and is the most consequential president of our lifetimes. His legislative accomplishments speak for themselves and will endure for generations to come. He took the biggest climate action in human history. He cut the cost of prescription drugs for seniors and made our communities safer by ing long-overdue gun reform. He’s also revitalized our nation’s infrastructure and strengthened our alliances around the world. “There’s no question Americans today are better off because of Joe Biden.”

Sen. Mazie K. Hirono, D-Hawaii: “Like millions of Americans, I’m extremely grateful for Joe Biden’s service to our country over the past five decades, and his leadership over the last four years. After four years of utter chaos, President Biden led our country back from the pandemic and into the strongest economic recovery in a century. Under his leadership, Democrats ed landmark legislation to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, our veterans, combat the climate crisis, and invest billions in communities throughout Hawaii and across our country. His foreign policy leadership has been exemplary, helping to restore our country’s image on the world stage, strengthen NATO, and marshal international for Ukraine. As the only person to have defeated Donald Trump, President Biden understands as well as anybody how high the stakes are this November, and I respect his decision to the baton. Working alongside the President, Vice President Harris has played a critical role in the progress we’ve made, and has shown herself ready to lead our party moving forward. In the Senate, I saw firsthand what a fierce, committed, and effective champion Kamala is for the American people. I’m proud to call Vice President Harris a friend and colleague, and I look forward to doing everything in my power to get her elected to the White House, so we can continue building on the progress of the last four years.”

Young Democrats of America: “Today the Young Democrats of America are proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to be the next President of the United States of America following a unanimous vote by the Executive Board. Since 2020, the Biden-Harris istration has made incredible strides in advancing the interests of America’s young people. This istration has addressed key issues including student debt forgiveness, climate change, reproductive healthcare, affordable housing, and LGBTQ+ rights. We are eager to see this work continue onward, and we are proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to be the one to do so.”

Trump campaign statement: “Crooked Joe Biden is a complete fraud and a disgrace to our Country. Biden has left our borders wide open, allowing up to 20 million illegal aliens to enter the United States, creating a Biden Migrant Crime Wave and taxing precious resources. Biden has taken our once-great economy and ruined it, creating record inflation and causing Americans to have to choose between groceries and gas. Biden has been so weak, pathetic, and incompetent as a leader that he allowed 13 American service to be killed in Afghanistan, which set off a chain reaction that caused Putin to invade Ukraine and Hamas terrorists to attack Israel. World leaders are laughing at us. And during this entire term, Kamala Harris – as well as every other Democrat in Washington, sat by and did NOTHING. ... The question then to Kamala Harris is simple: knowing that Joe Biden withdrew from the campaign because of his rapidly deteriorating condition, does Harris believe the people of America are safe and secure with Joe Biden in the White House for six more months?”

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: “We commend and thank President Biden for his legacy of service to our country and extend to him our best wishes. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce looks forward to continuing to engage with leaders across the political spectrum to forge solutions and advance policies that will make the American Dream a reality for all.”

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