Top Dems praise Biden's withdrawal from 2024 race but hesitate to endorse Kamala Harris as his successor

WASHINGTON, DC: Top Congressional Democrats unanimously praised President Joe Biden for his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. However, they stopped short of endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Speaker Emerita of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) had called on the 81-year-old incumbent to step aside due to poor polling numbers and public concerns regarding his mental fitness, particularly after his poor performance in the June 27 debate against Donald Trump.

Top Congressional Democrats applaud Joe Biden's achievements and patriotism as he ends 2024 reelection bid

Each of these Democratic leaders, along with former President Barack Obama, celebrated Joe Biden's decision to suspend his campaign without immediately backing his endorsement of Kamala Harris.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Schumer commended Biden, highlighting his service and dedication: "Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he’s 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. Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American."

Jeffries echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Biden's achievements: "In less than one term, he rescued the nation from a once-in-a-century pandemic, brought the economy roaring back from the brink of recession, enacted consequential legislation for everyday Americans and saved our democracy by defeating the Insurrectionist-in-Chief. We are forever grateful."

Pelosi, on the other hand, reflected on Biden's legacy, writing, "God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness. His legacy of vision, values, and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history."

Among senior congressional Democrats, only Rep Jim Clyburn (D-SC) was quick to endorse Harris following Biden's lead.

Clyburn said in a statement, "One of President Biden’s first decisions as the nominee was to select a running mate that he believed possessed the values and vision necessary to continue this country’s pursuit toward a 'more perfect Union.'"

He added, "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."

Some Democrats were disappointed by Joe Biden's decision to end his reelection campaign

Some Democrats lamented Joe Biden's decision to end his reelection bid. 

Rep Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) took to X (formerly Twitter) to write, "Well I hope the geniuses that pushed the most consequential President of our lifetime out, have a plan. Joe wasn’t the problem… dems were."

She declared her unwavering support for Harris, stating, "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]."

"Squad" member Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who had been one of the last Democrats to strongly support Biden's candidacy, is yet to release a statement regarding the president’s announcement.

Sen John Fetterman (D-PA), another staunch defender of Biden, criticized the situation in a statement to Semafor. He compared Biden’s departure to Sen Bob Menendez’s (D-NJ) decision to remain in Congress despite his recent conviction on federal bribery charges.

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

Meanwhile, some Democrats who had publicly called for Biden to step down did not explicitly endorse Harris.

Sen Peter Welch (D-VT) voiced confidence in the party's ability to defeat Trump but did not single out Harris, stating, "Our party has many capable, proven leaders — Vice President Harris among them. We have a deep bench of leaders who will carry on the Biden legacy and inspire the voters we need to deliver the White House."

Similarly, Sen Bernie Sanders (I-VT), a close ally of Ocasio-Cortez, thanked Biden for having "served our country with honor and dignity" and called him "the most pro-working class president in modern American history" but stopped short of publicly backing Harris.

Joe Biden's endorsement of Kamala Harris and upcoming DNC decisions

Joe Biden endorsed Kamala Harris shortly after announcing his withdrawal from the race on Sunday, July 21. The vice president expressed her gratitude on X (formerly Twitter), stating she was "honored" to have the incumbent's confidence and that her "intention is to earn and win this nomination."

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) plans to host a virtual vote on the presidential nomination in early August to meet an Ohio ballot access deadline. However, the nomination might be reopened for voting during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, scheduled for August 19 to August 22, if lawmakers oppose Harris’ candidacy.

While addressing Republican attacks on Biden's fitness for public office, White House spokesman Andrew Bates assured that the president "looks forward to finishing his term and delivering more historic results for the American people."

Santiago Mayer, executive director of the Gen Z-led voter turnout group Voters of Tomorrow, highlighted Harris’s appeal to younger voters due to her age and energy.

Speaking to the New York Post, Mayer noted the vice president's efforts on the "economy" and abortion rights initiatives, insisting that she brings a level of "enthusiasm and energy" to the ticket that could rival Trump.

He added that Harris's ability to communicate effectively with younger voters, particularly regarding issues like the Gaza ceasefire, makes her a dynamic candidate. Mayer noted, "She’s definitely a younger and a much more energetic candidate. I think we have seen that over the last few weeks with all the coconut tree videos."

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