Following President Joe Biden’s announcement of the conclusion of his reelection campaign, Democrats are now voicing their support for Vice President Kamala Harris to take over as the party’s presidential candidate.
Concerns about Biden’s performance against former President Donald Trump, the GOP nominee, at a recent debate in Atlanta, led to calls for Biden’s withdrawal from the race. Age was a significant factor, with Biden, 81, and Trump, 78, both facing criticism over their age.
Over 30 Democratic lawmakers urged Biden to step aside, citing his inability to defeat Trump. They emphasized the need to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Biden expressed his decision not to seek reelection and endorsed Harris. He stated, “I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to step aside and focus on my duties as President.”
With Biden out of the race, the Democratic Party now faces the task of selecting a new nominee by August 7, with the Democratic National Convention scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago.
Biden officially endorsed Harris, urging Democrats to unite and defeat Trump. He stated, “It’s time to come together and support Kamala to be our nominee.”
My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President. I picked Kamala Harris as my VP in 2020, and it’s been the best decision… pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
Democrats Offer Support for Harris
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised Biden’s service and endorsed Harris for president, committing to support her in the election.
Representative Jasmine Crockett expressed her support for Harris and criticized the actions of Democrats pushing Biden out of the race, emphasizing her commitment to Harris as the only candidate she would endorse.
Bakari Sellers, a former South Carolina state Representative, echoed Crockett’s sentiments, expressing embarrassment over Biden’s treatment and pledging to work tirelessly to make Harris the next President.
Several other Democratic lawmakers, including Ilhan Omar, Jamaal Bowman, Jared Huffman, and Regina Romero, joined in endorsing Harris as the most qualified candidate to lead the party forward and defeat Trump in the upcoming election.