ST. LOUIS (KMOX)--Missouri and Illinois politicians, both Republican and Democrat, are reacting to President Joe Biden leaving the race against Donald Trump for President.
Governor J.B. Pritzker (D-IL):
"President Joe Biden has dedicated his life in service to this nation, and its citizens are all the better for it. His is a storied political career culminating in one of the most accomplished and effective presidencies of our lifetime. As President of the United States he led us through a recovery from a devastating pandemic and shepherded our economy away from a recession to prosperity. He worked across the aisle to pass some of the most consequential legislation in decades to rebuild our roads and bridges while investing in the infrastructure and jobs of the 21st century. Perhaps most consequentially, President Biden restored dignity to the Oval Office, bringing the statesmanship and honor that have been the hallmarks of his years of service, back to the White House. As we extend our gratitude to President Biden and reflect on his many accomplishments, we must not ignore the threat posed by Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House. Donald Trump is a 34 time convicted felon, adjudicated to have committed sexual assault, a racist, homophobe and misogynist. Trump brags about taking away a woman’s right to choose, wants to rip healthcare away from tens of millions of people, proposes economic policies that will cost the middle class thousands of dollars a year, and threatens the fundamental American ideals we hold dear. I will work every day to ensure that he does not win in November."
United States Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL):
"No one has done more for working Americans than Joe Biden—and so many of us owe him a debt of gratitude for everything he’s done to improve our country. Over more than 50 years in public service, he’s built an unparalleled record of accomplishments. From helping write the Violence Against Women Act in the Senate to shepherding the Affordable Care Act into law as Vice President and from helping guide our nation out of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic to overseeing historic wage and job growth during his Presidency, Joe Biden has always put our country first and worked to change so many aspects of our lives for the better. From the bottom of my heart, I thank him for his effective and successful leadership and for, once again, putting our country before himself. This difficult decision ensures that Democrats can focus on the goal that unites each and every one of us: defeating Donald Trump and preventing another four years of his destructive chaos and corruption."
Congresswoman Cori Bush (D-MO):
“In these critical times where MAGA extremism and fascism is determined to set us backwards, our number one goal needs to be to defeat Trump in November. I commend and thank President Biden for prioritizing our nation's needs; a decision that I am sure was a difficult one. Since the start of President Biden’s transformative presidency, I have advocated for the Administration to deliver a progressive agenda that works for people in St. Louis and around the world. From successfully defeating Trump, to enacting the transformative American Rescue Plan, to forgiving over $100 billion in student debt, and pioneering the largest climate investments in history with the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden has made historic achievements to help to deliver this agenda. Under his presidency, we've seen the dawn of the first major gun safety law in nearly 30 years, the landmark appointments of Black women to our courts, including the historic appointment of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and the selection of Kamala Harris for Vice President of the United States—who he is fully endorsing for the Democratic nomination for President. The majority of voters across our country are unequivocal in their support for an agenda that recognizes the humanity of ALL people across the world, a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the genocide of Palestinians, student debt cancellation, living wages, affordable housing, and full reproductive freedom. With today’s announcement, Biden has signaled that he has heard and is listening to the voices of millions of voters. The decision to pass the torch to a new generation is a principled and necessary one. In 2020, voters turned out to deliver Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the White House. The people’s vote was a vote not only for President Biden, but a vote for Vice President Kamala Harris and her ability to defeat MAGA extremism across the country. When we say trust Black women, we mean it. Black women are the backbone of the Democratic Party and it is past time for us to lead our country forward. Kamala Harris is more than ready to lead at this moment. As we look forward to November, it is clear to me that Vice President Kamala Harris has the vision to carry this legacy forward, defeat Donald Trump, and I unequivocally endorse her for President of the United States.”
Missouri Republican Party Response
Today, the Missouri Republican Party responds to the announcement that President Joe Biden will not seek reelection in 2024. "The events of this week highlight the strength and unity of the Republican Party," said Nick Myers, Chairman of the Missouri Republican Party. "While I was at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, it was evident that our party is firmly united behind President Trump. This unity stands in stark contrast to the current confusion within the Democratic ranks, as they struggle to now find a new leader." The Missouri Republican Party stands united behind President Trump’s candidacy, confident in his leadership and the policies that prioritize the safety, prosperity, and freedom of American citizens. "The choice is clear: Americans want a leader who will protect their freedoms, ensure economic prosperity, and maintain national security. We are confident that our commitment to these values will lead us to prevail against any opponent the Democrats present." Myers added. This election season, the Missouri Republican Party is fully prepared to engage with voters across the state to share our vision of a stronger, safer, and more prosperous America. Regardless of who the Democrat Party selects as their nominee, we're looking forward to delivering a victory for President Trump this November and sending him back to the White House.
St. Louis County Prosecutor and U.S. House of Representative candidate Wesley Bell:
"I want to thank Joe Biden for his incredible record of service.
Biden has been one of the most impactful presidents in recent history, and has always put our country first.
From tackling the cost of prescription drugs to investing in Missouri's infrastructure, his accomplishments have been historic.
We still have a lot of work to do to beat Donald Trump in November, and
Kamala Harris is the right candidate for this moment."
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Il) : " No one has done more for working Americans than Joe Biden—and so many of us owe him a debt of gratitude for everything he’s done to improve our country. Over more than 50 years in public service, he’s built an unparalleled record of accomplishments. From helping write the Violence Against Women Act in the Senate to shepherding the Affordable Care Act into law as Vice President and from helping guide our nation out of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic to overseeing historic wage and job growth during his Presidency, Joe Biden has always put our country first and worked to change so many aspects of our lives for the better.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank him for his effective and successful leadership and for, once again, putting our country before himself. This difficult decision ensures that Democrats can focus on the goal that unites each and every one of us: defeating Donald Trump and preventing another four years of his destructive chaos and corruption.
I am proud to endorse Kamala Harris and will do everything I can to ensure she has the support needed to win. Right now, Democrats must be fully united and put ALL of our energy into preventing Trump and his MAGA allies from rolling back all the freedoms and progress we’ve made."