Democrats clash as John Fetterman slams powerbrokers for ousting Biden before convicted Sen Bob Menendez

WASHINGTON, DC: On Sunday, July 21, President Joe Biden announced his decision to drop out of the presidential race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate for the upcoming November election.

The stunning move was met with a wave of reactions from prominent Democrats and political figures, with some applauding his decision while others voicing their disappointment and frustration.

The aftermath of Joe Biden quitting 2024 presidential race

Joe Biden's announcement came as a surprise to many. He endorsed Kamala Harris to lead the party against Donald Trump in November. Prominent Democrats such as Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and Kamala Harris herself praised Biden's decision. However, not all were on board with this development.

One of Biden's staunch defenders, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, vehemently opposed the decision and criticized those who pressured Biden to quit. Fetterman voiced his discontent, particularly when comparing Biden's situation to that of New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, who was recently convicted of conspiracy to commit bribery.

Fetterman told Semafor, "People pushed out an honorable man, a loving father, and a great president before an absolute sleazeball like Menendez. Congratulations."

Menendez was found guilty of participating in a long-term corruption scheme that involved accepting gold bars, cash, and a new car. Despite his conviction, Menendez has not resigned and has not confirmed whether he will run for re-election in November after exiting the party's primary.

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett from Texas also questioned Biden's decision and criticized those advocating for his departure.

She voiced her concerns on social media, stating, "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."

Emotional responses from Democrats after Biden quits 2024 race

DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison was visibly emotional during a Democratic National Convention Credentials Committee Meeting, expressing his continued support for Biden. "I'm emotional, because I am still riding with Biden. I still support my president," Harrison said.

Similarly, CNN commentator Bakari Sellers did not hide his disgust at how Biden was treated by his colleagues, calling the process embarrassing for Democrats. "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 wrote.

Despite his criticism, Sellers acknowledged that the fight was over and endorsed Kamala Harris. "That fight is over. I dare not wage into another," he admitted.

Chris D Jackson, a Tennessee politician and vocal Biden supporter, condemned those who pushed for Biden's exit. "I hope all of you anti-Biden people are happy. You just forced the best President of our lifetimes off the ticket. What happens now is all on you," he wrote. Jackson, along with Sellers and Crockett, endorsed Harris following Biden's endorsement.

Biden/Harris campaign co-chair Chris Coons appeared on CBS News, visibly upset, describing Biden's decision as difficult. Coons, also a senator for Delaware, struggled to maintain his composure during the interview.

CNN's Van Jones shared a similar emotional response, appearing teary-eyed while discussing Biden's decision to back out of the race and endorse Kamala Harris. On MSNBC, Rachel Maddow delivered a passionate speech, suggesting that Biden's decision was made for the good of the country, not necessarily what he truly wanted.

Joe Biden's final message and Republican response

Biden announced his decision in a one-page letter posted on social media, committing to serve until the end of his term in January.

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," Biden wrote. "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."

Republicans quickly called for Biden's immediate resignation, arguing that if he is not "fit to run" then he is "not fit to serve." Biden's announcement caught many of his own staff and supporters off guard.

"No one had a heads up before the tweet posted," one Biden campaign worker told the Daily Mail. "Which, to me, is an insane way to treat the 1,300 people that work for you on the campaign."

Former President Donald Trump responded swiftly, calling Biden "the worst president in the history of our country" during a call to CNN. Trump insisted that Harris would be an easier opponent to defeat than Biden.

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