In one of the most historic moments in American history, President Joe Biden has decided to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race for reelection. Weeks after multiple celebrities, politicians and other public figures called on Biden to drop out of the race, several responded to the president’s announcement on Sunday, July 31, including former president of the United States Barack Obama.
Barack Obama
“Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me,” the former president of the United States wrote in his official statement. “Today, we’ve also been reminded — again — that he’s a patriot of the highest order.”
Obama went on to point out that President Biden “pointed us away from the four years of chaos, falsehood and division that had characterized Donald Trump’s administration.”
“I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight,” Obama acknowledged. “For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life. But I know 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.”
At the end of his statement, Obama spoke on behalf of his wife, Michelle Obama, by noting they both “want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill [Biden] 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.”
Hillary and Bill Clinton
Statement from President Clinton and Secretary Clinton pic.twitter.com/R7tYMFWbsu
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) July 21, 2024
The Clintons released a joint statement in support of Biden’s historic decision. Bill and Hillary noted they “are honored to join the president in endorsing Vice President Harris” and acknowledged they will “do whatever we can to support her.”
“We’ve lived through many ups and downs, but nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term,” the Clintons continued. “He has promised to be a dictator on day one, and the recent ruling by a servile Supreme Court will only embolden him to further shred the Constitution. Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we’ve got to elect her. America’s future depends on it. With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment. God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness.”
Pete Buttigieg
Joe Biden has earned his place among the best and most consequential presidents in American history.
I am so proud to serve under his leadership, and thankful for his unwavering focus on what is best for our country.
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) July 21, 2024
“Joe Biden has earned his place among the best and most consequential presidents in American history,” the U.S. Secretary of Transportation tweeted. “I am so proud to serve under his leadership, and thankful for his unwavering focus on what is best for our country.”
Jamie Lee Curtis
The actress tweeted, “I support wholeheartedly @joebiden and his decision to step down and to endorse unreservedly @kamalaharris SHE IS TRUSTED AND TESTED and she is a fierce advocate for women’s rights and people of color and her message is one of HOPE and UNITY for America at her time of great national divide.”
Mitt Romney
The Republican shared his support for Biden, despite being a member of the opposite party.
“I’m a classic Republican and he’s a classic Democrat; obviously, President Biden and I usually didn’t see eye-to-eye,” Romney wrote. “I opposed many of his initiatives. But we did find common ground on infrastructure, Ukraine, the Electoral Count Act, adding religious liberty protections to the marriage bill, gun safety measures, and chip manufacturing. Others will judge his presidency. However, having worked with him these past few years, I respect President Biden. His decision to withdraw from the race was right and is in the best interest of the country. Ann and I send warm personal wishes to the President and First Lady.”
Barbra Streisand
Joe Biden will go down in history as a man who accomplished significant achievements in his 4 year term. We should be grateful for his upholding of our democracy.
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) July 21, 2024
The actress tweeted, “Joe Biden will go down in history as a man who accomplished significant achievements in his 4-year term. We should be grateful for his upholding of our democracy.”
Robert De Niro
As one of Trump’s most outspoken critics in Hollywood, the award-winning actor said in a statement, “In an act of shrewd politics and selfless patriotism, Joe Biden is stepping aside to clear the path for another Democrat to become president … because there is nothing more important for our country than defeating Donald Trump at the ballot box. With respect, admiration, and affection, thank you Mr. President!”