For the first time in 56 years, a sitting president decided not to seek re-election.
President Joe Biden on Sunday afternoon he dropped from the top position on the Democratic ticket, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris take his place.
Here is Biden’s statement.
My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus my full energy on my duties as president for the rest of my term. My first decision as a party candidate in 2020 was to select Kamala Harris as my vice president. And it was the best… photo:twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
Harris thanked Biden for his leadership and service to the country.
On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country.
I am honored by the President’s support and it is my intention to earn and win this nomination.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 21, 2024
Ex-president Barack Obama called Biden “a patriot of the highest order.”
Joe Biden was one of America’s most critical presidents, and a dear friend and partner. Today, we were also reminded – once again – that he is a patriot of the highest order.
Here is my full statement: https://t.co/Bs2ZumFXxe
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 21, 2024
Ex-president Donald Trump said Biden “is not fit to run for president and is certainly not fit to serve.”
— Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) July 21, 2024
