Former US President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi commended President Joe Biden for his decision to withdraw from the presidential race. However, they did not explicitly endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's nominee for the November 5 general elections.
Biden, aged 81, announced his withdrawal from the presidential race following increasing pressure from Democrats, particularly after a challenging debate performance against Republican candidate Trump last month. Biden has endorsed 59-year-old Harris to succeed him as the new Democratic nominee.
Although Harris's nomination as her party's presidential nominee is all but assured by Biden's support, she still needs to be chosen by the party's delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago the following month. Against the 1,976 delegates needed to clinch the nomination, Biden has 3,896 delegates in his pocket.
Harris was able to win the delegate fight at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago starting on August 19 because she was able to instantly get the backing of former president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton.
Obama, who is regarded as Harris' mentor, did not, however, support her right away.
"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," the former president said in a statement.
"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 is prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond," Obama said.
He said Biden has been one of America's most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to him. "Today, we've also been reminded -- again -- that he's a patriot of the highest order," Obama said.
"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."
Former President Barack Obama remarked that Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the presidential race is a testament to his love for the country and serves as a historic example of a true public servant prioritizing the interests of the American people over personal ambition. Obama suggested that future generations of leaders would do well to emulate Biden's selfless act.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, like Obama, did not immediately endorse Vice President Kamala Harris following Biden's announcement.
"President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history," she said.
"With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfilment," she said.
Multiple media reports claimed that she has been advocating for an open convention of the Democratic Party.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Biden's decision to step aside in the 2024 election is "another heroic act in a long-running series of heroic acts by Joe Biden on behalf of the American people".
He described Biden as one of the most consequential presidents 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," he said.
Also read: As Biden drops out with dignity, he leaves behind a rich legacy spanning half a century
"America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity. We are forever grateful," Jeffries added.
Earlier, Biden announced that he has decided not to contest the presidential election.
"My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it's been the best decision I've made," Biden said.
The 81-year-old president's decision comes just four months before Americans head to the polls on November 5.
Biden's choice comes at a time when there's noticeable concern about his health, exacerbated by his current self-isolation at his Delaware residence following a positive COVID-19 test.
Biden mentioned that he plans to address the nation later this week to provide more comprehensive details about his decision.
(with agency inputs)
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