Obama statement after Biden drops out of race: 'A patriot of the highest order'

In a statement issued the same day President Joe Biden made his historic announcement to end his bid for reelection , former President Barack Obama commended Biden’s choice to end his campaign , saying he selflessly put the nation's interests ahead of his own.

"Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me," Obama said of the president, who previously served as vice president from 2009 to 2017 under Obama. "Today, we’ve also been reminded − again − that he’s a patriot of the highest order."

Obama’s statement, posted on X , made no mention of Vice President Kamala Harris, who Biden endorsed on Sunday after dropping out of the race.

Harris is considered the frontrunner to replace Biden on the ticket for the Nov. 5 election.

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Former President Obama's statement on Joe Biden out:

Here's Obama's full statement:

"Sixteen years ago, when I began my search for a vice president, I knew about Joe’s remarkable career in public service. But what I came to admire even more was his character — his deep empathy and hard-earned resilience; his fundamental decency and belief that everyone counts.

Since taking office, President Biden has displayed that character again and again. He helped end the pandemic, created millions of jobs, lowered the cost of prescription drugs, passed the first major piece of gun safety legislation in 30 years, made the biggest investment to address climate change in history, and fought to ensure the rights of working people to organize for fair wages and benefits. Internationally, he restored America’s standing in the world, revitalized NATO, and mobilized the world to stand up against Russian aggression in Ukraine.

More than that, President Biden pointed us away from the four years of chaos, falsehood, and division that had characterized Donald Trump’s administration. Through his policies and his example, Joe has reminded us of who we are at our best — a country committed to old-fashioned values like trust and honesty, kindness and hard work; a country that believes in democracy, rule of law, and accountability; a country that insists that everyone, no matter who they are, has a voice and deserves a chance at a better life.

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This outstanding track record gave President Biden every right to run for re-election and finish the job he started. 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 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. 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. 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 are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.

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."

Vice President Kamala Harris also thanked Biden for service

Also on Sunday Harris thanked Biden for his service, said she was "deeply grateful to the president and his family" and announced she will seek the Democratic nomination for president.

“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," she wrote.

The vice president said she is honored to have his endorsement.

The campaign formerly known as Biden for President, in a filing Sunday afternoon with the Federal Election Commission changed, its name to the Harris for President campaign.

That means Harris’ bid for the Democratic nomination official, with her campaign assuming control of Biden’s campaign money. It also allows Harris to begin raising money for her own presidential bid.

The Democratic National Convention i s slated to take place in Chicago Aug. 19-22. It's the first time the convention will be held there since 1996, when former President Bill Clinton was nominated for his second term.

Contributing: Joey Garrison

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Obama statement after Biden drops out of race: 'A patriot of the highest order'