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South Carolina leaders react to President Biden’s withdrawal

By Elly Burns,

2024-07-21

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Top Democrats in South Carolina reacted Sunday afternoon to President Biden’s announcement that he would not seek reelection.

Around 1:45 p.m. Biden released his statement of withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” Biden wrote in a letter posted to social media. “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.”

Since then, South Carolina leaders have taken to social media to share their praise for the president and thoughts on the party’s future.

U.S. Congressman Jim Clyburn:

“I’ve had the honor and privilege of calling President Joe Biden a friend for many years. When I endorsed then-candidate Biden in 2020, I noted how I could think of no one with the integrity and no one more committed to the fundamental principles that form the foundation of our great country than him. He has used those principles to bring the American people together through incredible trials and unfamiliar terrain. He’s pursued an agenda that addresses the inequities in our health care system, the unaffordability of higher education, our outdated roads and bridges, the gun violence epidemic, access to affordable high-speed broadband, and so much more. President Biden has improved the lives of countless Americans through his selfless service, and I thank him for his unparagoned leadership.

One of President Biden’s first decisions as the nominee was to select a running mate that he believed possessed the values and unison necessary to continue this country’s pursuit toward a ‘more perfect Union.’ I echo the good judgment he demonstrated in selecting Vice President Harris to lead this nation alongside him, and I am proud to follow his lead in support of her candidacy to succeed him as the Democratic Party’s 2024 nominee for President.”

Charleston County Democratic Party Chair Sam Skardon:

“President Biden’s record of accomplishments is unmatched in our lifetimes. He has delivered on the issues that matter most to our daily lives: building infrastructure, reducing healthcare & childcare costs, growing our economy, and fighting climate change. We should all be forever grateful for Joe Biden’s lifetime of public service.

His patriotic decision today reflects the contrast our party has always offered from Donald Trump. The Democratic Party stands for more than loyalty to one person, and we put the country’s best interest above any individual.

We are excited to offer Americans what they have been asking for: a presidential ticket with a new generation of leaders who offer a forward-looking vision for our country, building on the exceptional progress Joe Biden has delivered.”

Democratic National Convention (DNC) Chair Jaime Harrison:

“The American people owe President Biden an enormous debt of gratitude for the unparalleled progress he has delivered over the last four years – and we will honor that legacy, and the decision that he has made today, through a firm commitment to nominating and electing a Democratic president this November who will carry that torch into the next four years.

The work that we must do now, while unprecedented, is clear. In the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November. This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.

Democrats are prepared and united in our resolve to win in November. As we move forward to formally select our Party’s nominee, our values as Democrats remain the same – lowering costs, restoring freedom, protecting the rights of all people, and saving our democracy from the threat of dictatorship. We have and will continue to make this case to the American people.

In short order, the American people will hear from the Democratic Party on next steps and the path forward for the nomination process.”

State Representative JA Moore:

“Mr. President – Thank you for your lifelong commitment to our country. You saved our democracy, got us out of a deadly pandemic, strengthened our middle class, rebuilt our infrastructure, brought down the cost of prescription drugs, and repaired our reputation abroad. We are infinitely grateful for your leadership and selflessness. America is a better place because of the work of this administration.”

Former State Senator Marlon Kimpson:

“Thank you for your service to our country @POTUS. Once again, you’ve proven to be unselfish and focused on healing and unity. I will never forget the weak kneed Democrats who threw you under bus rather than focus on the convict. See you Chicago my friend. I have a vote. ❤️”

Kimpson previously represented District 47 in the South Carolina Senate. He left office in 2023 for a role in President Joe Biden’s administration serving on the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations.