Reaction to Biden announcement he won’t seek re-election

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2024 at 7:13 pm

President Joe Biden

President Joe Biden announced this afternoon he won’t be seeking re-election, and has thrown his support to his vice president, Kamala Harris.

Biden, in a letter to Americans, said the country has made great progress in the past 3 1/2 years.

“Together, we overcame a once in a  century pandemic and worst economy crisis since the Great Depression,” Biden said in his letter. “We’ve protected and preserved our Democracy. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world.”

But Biden has been lagging in the polls and facing growing pressure from Democratic Party leaders and officials since a fumbling debate performance on June 27 against Donald Trump.

Biden had been insisting he was still up for the job, and wanted to accomplish ore as president with another term. He is already the oldest U.S. president in history at age 81. Trump is three years younger.

In his letter, Biden cited accomplishments included lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, making historic investments in infrastructure nationwide, and expanding affordable healthcare for Americans. The U.S. also provided critically needed care to veterans exposed to toxic substances, and passed significant climate legislation, and also appointed the first African American woman – Ketanji Brown Jackson – to the Supreme Court, Biden noted.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” Biden wrote. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

Here are some of the reactions to Biden’s announcement:

Donald J. Trump posted this on Truth Social: “Crooked Joe Biden is the Worst President, by far, in the History of our Nation. He has done everything possible to destroy our Country, from our Southern Border, to Energy Dominance, National Security, International Standing, and so much more. He was annihilated in an Earth Shattering Debate, and now the Corrupt and Radical Democrats are throwing him overboard. He was not fit to serve from the  very beginning, but the people around him lied to America about his Complete and Total Mental, Physical, and Cognitive Demise. Whoever the Left puts up now will just be more of the same. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

Kamala Harris, vice president: “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. I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer: “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. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY): “President Biden has served our country with courage, compassion, integrity and decency. I am honored to have served in the Senate during his administration, which achieved historic accomplishments related to gun safety, veterans’ health care, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, climate change, prescription drugs, and more. President Biden has improved the lives of millions of Americans and leaves behind a legacy that will echo for generations.

“On behalf of myself and every New Yorker: Thank you, Joe.”

State Senator Rob Ortt, Republican Leader in State Senate: “The Democratic Party has shown they will do anything to cling to power. They have silenced the voice of 14.6 million primary voters and forced Joe Biden off the Democratic ticket just weeks before the convention. If Joe Biden is unfit to run, then he is clearly unfit to serve as Commander and Chief.

“The American people know the Biden-Harris administration is responsible for our wide open border, the inflation crisis, and our diminishing global stature. It’s time we send Donald Trump back to the White House to save our country.”

Congressman Joe Morelle, D-Rochester: “President Biden has done what every true leader ought to: put the needs of our country ahead of himself. This difficult decision is an act of true patriotism for the good of our democracy.

 “I am deeply grateful for all he has done to create a better America over the past four years and throughout his lifetime of public service. Thank you, Mr. President.”