In a statement released by former President Barack Obama on Sunday, following President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race, the former president praised his former VP but didn’t offer endorsement to the current one.
“Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded — again — that he’s a patriot of the highest order,” Obama wrote Sunday of Biden’s difficult decision.
The former president went on to note that the Democratic party will “be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead.” But Obama, America's first Black president, did not endorse Harris, who would be the country's first Black female candidate. The New York Post noted "Obama remains one of the most respected leaders among Democrats and his lack of an endorsement of Harris could damage her candidacy and implicitly encourage new candidates to emerge."
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) gave some insight into behind the scenes machinations, saying "I’m gonna say what a lot of these folks aren’t saying… If you think that there is consensus among the people who want Joe Biden to leave, that they will support Vice President Harris, you would be mistaken."
As for Obama, he said only this about his choice for the Democratic presidential candidate: “I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges. I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August. And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.”
Obama went on to say that he and former First Lady Michelle Obama “want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times — and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on.”
He continued, saying that he knows how hard the decision must have been for Biden to stand down amidst scrutiny from his party. Obama said that “Joe has never backed down from a fight,” but he knew “he wouldn’t make this decision unless he believed it was right for America.”
“It’s a testament to Joe Biden’s love of country — and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow,” Obama wrote about his former vice president.
Obama then mentioned former President Trump, noting that during his four years, Biden steered the country from “the four years of chaos, falsehood, and division that had characterized Donald Trump’s administration.”
Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.
“Through his policies and his example, Joe has reminded us of who we are at our best — a country committed to old-fashioned values like trust and honesty, kindness and hard work; a country that believes in democracy, rule of law, and accountability; a country that insists that everyone, no matter who they are, has a voice and deserves a chance at a better life,” Obama said.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok