By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Political Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Just months before the 2024 presidential election, President Joe Biden (D) announced that he is stepping down from being the Democratic nominee for president and putting his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Photo credit: AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta
Biden faced many calls for him to step down after a rough televised presidential debate in June. Despite the damage done, he remained persistent in going forward with his campaign–that is until July 21.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president. 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,” said Biden in a statement via X, formerly known as Twitter, on July 21. “I will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about my decision. For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work.”
Biden also sent out a separate message on X saying he’s putting his support behind Harris.
“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 decision I’ve made,” said Biden. “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.”
The reactions he’s received thus far for his decision have been commending.
“This is such a courageous and historic move on the part of President Biden. His full endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris is a directive to all the pledged delegates and superdelegates of the Democratic Party to back her as the nominee of the party at their convention in three weeks,” said Nina Kasniunas, an associate professor of political science at Goucher College in Maryland.
“Trump is a deeply flawed candidate and Kamala Harris is a fresh face, a real choice for so many swing voters who indicated they wouldn’t vote for Trump or Biden,” she added. “There will be a lot of work ahead and the Democratic Party and its allies will have to be ready with strong mobilization efforts, but Kamala Harris is ready to take on Trump.”
Will Hanna, a longtime Biden supporter based in Baltimore, said this news was tough but provides new opportunities.
“I just believe that the president made the best decision for him, his family and for the country. He’s had a stellar career, and he’s done nothing but support this country all of his life,” said Hanna. “We now have the opportunity to have the first African-American woman president.”
Angela Alsobrooks, Democratic nominee for a Maryland seat in the U.S. Senate, released a statement shortly after the news emphasizing her support of Harris, who endorsed her campaign over a month ago.
“It is paramount that Democrats come together quickly and unite behind a qualified leader. Kamala Harris is that leader. She will provide a clear and stark contrast to the regressive vision Donald Trump has for this country,” said Alsobrooks. “I am proud to be behind her 100 percent and know that she will defeat Donald Trump and continue the great legacy of accomplishments that President Joe Biden and she spearheaded. Kamala, my friend, let’s go!”
Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) was also quick to back Harris after Biden’s announcement.
“President Biden has been one of the best, most accomplished presidents of my lifetime. He’s been a true partner to Baltimore and a champion in the fight to end gun violence everywhere. We’ll continue that fight together for the remainder of his tenure,” said Scott via X. “Now’s the time for us to rally around Vice President Kamala Harris and defeat Donald Trump. Black women have saved this country time and time again. For that reason and a hundred others, there is no other — or better — option than the Vice President to unite our party and win in November.”
Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) released a statement on Biden’s decision to step down.
“It has been a tremendous honor to serve alongside President Biden in the Congress, and his tenure as the leader of our great nation will be revered forever. At this moment, we all would be better off if we allow him to have the dignity that he deserves and has earned in this moment,” said Mfume. “He has been and remains a great president who through the simple eloquence of his example has led our nation and the world through tough and difficult times.”
Ken Ulman, chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, released a statement lifting up Biden’s legacy.
“In three and half years, President Biden navigated the country through COVID-19 and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, passed historic investments in infrastructure and climate, lowered prescription drug prices for seniors, passed landmark gun safety legislation and so much more,” said Ulman. “Our country and party owe Joe Biden a debt of gratitude. As president, he is a remarkable leader that has always put his country first.”
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Original announcement: President Biden on drops out of presidential race, endorses VP Harris
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