Some Democrats immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.
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 have 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, today shows you are a true patriot and great American.”
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 added. “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.
Among the vice president’s congressional supporters are Congressional Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Pramilla Jayapal (D-Wash.), Reps. Nanette D. Barragán (D-Calif.), chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), and and Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).
Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), one of Biden’s staunchest allies in Congress and co-chair of his 2024 campaign, also endorsed Ms. Harris.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also threw his support behind Ms. Harris, writing on X that he will “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.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore in their statements praising President Biden did not mention the vice president. All three governors have been speculated as possible replacements to President Biden at the top of the ticket.
Meanwhile, Republicans were critical both of the decision and of 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.
Additionally, Mr. Johnson called on President Biden to resign, saying that his decision to drop out indicated that he is not fit so serve a president.
The call was repeated by House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.).
Original News Source Link – Epoch Times
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