NEWSWEEK
After President Joe Biden announced the end of his reelection campaign on Sunday afternoon, some Democrats have already voiced their support for Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the party’s presidential pick.
After Biden’s weak showing against former President Donald Trump, the GOP presidential nominee as of Monday, at the first presidential debate late last month in Atlanta, scores of Democrats in Congress called for Biden to step aside. Age was a major concern with Biden, who is 81 years old, and Trump, 78, has also been criticized for his age.
The general consensus among the over 30 Democratic lawmakers who urged Biden to exit the race was that, while the president is an accomplished and respected public servant, he doesn’t have what it takes to beat Trump and that it was time to “pass the torch” and let the new generation lead.
In a letter to the American public posted to X, formerly Twitter, Sunday afternoon, Biden wrote, “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. 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.”
With Biden out of the race, the Democratic Party must work fast to secure a new nominee by August 7. The Democratic National Convention (DNC) where the party’s nominee is named, will take place in Chicago from August 19 to 22.
Biden endorsed Harris, 59, in a follow-up post, writing, “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
Newsweek reached out to Biden’s campaign and Harris’ press secretary via email for comment.
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… pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
Democrats Supporting Harris
Following Biden’s announcement, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton thanked Biden “for all he has accomplished, standing up for America time and again, with his North Star always being what’s best for the country.” They then endorsed Harris for president and said they “will do whatever we can to support her.”
Representative Jasmine Crockett from Texas shared her disdain for the Democrats pushing out “the most consequential President of our lifetime” and said that the only candidate she would support would be Harris.
“Joe wasn’t the problem… dems were,” the congresswoman wrote on X. “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! FULL [stop].”
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… https://t.co/CjCSY37Owp
— Jasmine Crockett (@JasmineForUS) July 21, 2024
Bakari Sellers, former South Carolina state Representative, echoed Crockett’s remarks, writing on X, “Democrats should be embarrassed by the way President Biden was treated by his own colleagues the last month. He is one of the most transformative Presidents of a generation.”
He added: “Kamala Harris is battle tested and battle ready. I look forward to working damn hard to make her the next PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.”
Democrats should be embarrassed by the way President Biden was treated by his own colleagues the last month. He is one of the most transformative Presidents of a generation.
That fight is over.
I dare not wage into another.
Kamala Harris is battle tested and battle ready.
I…
— Bakari Sellers (@Bakari_Sellers) July 21, 2024
Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar thanked Biden for his years of service and then endorsed Harris, writing, “Thrilled to support @KamalaHarris as our Democratic nominee and remain committed to working alongside her to defeat Donald Trump in November.”
Representative Jamaal Bowman of New York posted, “Now that President Biden has suspended his campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris is the most qualified and best choice to lead us forward.”
Now that President Biden has suspended his campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris is the most qualified and best choice to lead us forward.
— Rep. Jamaal Bowman Ed.D. (@JamaalBowmanNY) July 21, 2024
California Representative Jared Huffman, who recently called for Biden to exit the race, wrote, “I know a younger Democrat named Kamala Harris. She’s next up as our awesome VP, she’s ready to go, and she will win. Let’s get on with this and go win the election!”
I know a younger Democrat named Kamala Harris. She's next up as our awesome VP, she's ready to go, and she will win. Let's get on with this and go win the election! https://t.co/nUl8VZK5VG
— Rep. Jared Huffman (@JaredHuffman) July 21, 2024
Regina Romero, the mayor of Tucson, Arizona, posted a photo of her and Harris and wrote on X: “I am excited to support @KamalaHarris to be the next Democratic President of the United States. She is ready to step up and lead. I’m ready to jump in and do all I can to help elect Kamala Harris to the White House.”
I am excited to support @KamalaHarris to be the next Democratic President of the United States. She is ready to step up and lead. I’m ready to jump in and do all I can to help elect Kamala Harris to the White House. pic.twitter.com/klskWMrLZn
— Regina Romero (@TucsonRomero) July 21, 2024