Democrats across the spectrum were divided Sunday about President Joe Biden dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, a historic decision for an incumbent president.
After Biden announced his decision to exit the race, Democratic lawmakers and pundits either applauded Biden for making the decision to drop out, or expressed their outrage that the president was "pushed out."
"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," a statement from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) read. “With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment.
She continued, “God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness.”
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who was reportedly angling with other top Democrats to push Biden out of the race, said his decision shows the president as a "true patriot and a great American."
"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," Schumer said in a statement.
New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, a Democrat who ran a failed bid for governor of Oregon in 2021, was one of the first to praise Biden for "making a sacrifice and doing the right thing by withdrawing from the presidential race." Biden immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to become the nominee to take on former President Donald Trump during the Nov. 5 election.
"A capstone to a long career of devoted public service. Bravo," Kristof posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Not every Democratic lawmaker was thrilled after Biden's abrupt decision to bow out of the race, such as Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA).
"People pushed out an honorable man, loving father and a great president before an absolute sleazeball like Menendez. Congratulations," Fetterman reportedly, referring to his criminally convicted Senate colleague Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ).
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) pledged her support to Harris following Biden's announcement, but expressed her outrage with those who called for him to exit the race in a post on X.
"Well I hope the geniuses that pushed the most consequential President of our lifetime out, have a plan. WHO in the hell couldn’t sell the MF Accomplishments & win over a 34 time convicted Felon who isn’t even allowed to operate businesses in the state of NY (and therefore should automatically be disallowed from say running the country) & his ENTIRE team IS project 2025?! Joe wasn’t the problem… dems were," said Crockett,
She continued, "I know one thing, I will only work for @KamalaHarris ! If it’s anyone OTHER than her, enjoy campaign season… I hope all of my disenchanted colleagues are able to find some walking shoes and get to work because I WILL NOT!"
Others distraught following the surprise announcement included Harry Sisson, a social media influencer who has passionately stumped for Biden throughout his reelection campaign.
"President Biden just dropped out of the presidential race. I must admit, I’m saddened by this news. He has been a fantastic president and he’s truly an amazing man. I thank him for his service and will support the Democratic nominee 100%. Thank you, President Biden," said Sisson, who has already begun stumping for Harris as the next nominee.
"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," said Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY).
In response to Biden bowing out of the race, Trump declared his now-former presidential election opponent Biden was "never" fit to run for office.
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"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," Trump posted to Truth Social .
Democrats had planned to renominate Biden in a virtual roll call vote during the first week of August, before the party’s national convention, amid the protests from many Democrats who sought more time for the party to consider alternative nominees.
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