President Biden Withdraws from Presidential Race, Endorses Kamala Harris

Tributes Pour in for President Biden Following His Withdrawal from the Presidential Race

In a surprising announcement on Sunday, President Joe Biden declared that he would be stepping down from the presidential race and endorsing his Vice President, Kamala Harris, to lead the Democratic ticket. In a heartfelt written statement, Biden expressed that serving as president had been the greatest honor of his life, and he pledged to continue his duties until the end of his term in January.

“I will address the Nation later this week, providing more details about my decision,” he stated, indicating that he would elaborate on the reasons behind his choice.

International reactions quickly followed, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy extending gratitude towards Biden for his “unwavering support” throughout the two years since the onset of the Russian invasion. “We will always be thankful for President Biden’s leadership,” he remarked, emphasizing, “We respect today’s tough but strong decision.” The Biden administration has been a crucial financial and military ally for Ukraine, and there are growing concerns that support could wane if Donald Trump were to emerge victorious in the forthcoming November elections.

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised Biden for the “difficult decisions” he made, which he argued have made “Poland, America, and the world safer.” Tusk also acknowledged that Biden’s choice to withdraw from the presidential race was likely “the most difficult” decision he has had to confront.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his respect for Biden’s decision, stating, “I look forward to collaborating during the remainder of his presidency.” Starmer noted that Biden’s choice was made with the best interests of the American people in mind.

Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz referred to Biden as “my friend,” adding, “Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO remains strong, and the USA stands as a reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again deserves our recognition.”

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated, “All my admiration and recognition for the brave and dignified decision of the president.” He added, “This is a great gesture from a great president who has always fought for democracy and freedom.”

Messages from America

Closer to home, Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her gratitude, thanking Biden for his “extraordinary leadership” and stating that she was honored to have his endorsement to run for the White House.

Former President Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as Vice President, lauded him as “one of America’s most consequential presidents” and described him as a “patriot of the highest order.” Meanwhile, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi conveyed her “love and gratitude” to Biden, adding, “God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness.”