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..US VP vows to win nomination, defeat Trump, as Clintons, Obama, Pelosi praise Biden’s decision
…Biden was ‘not fit to run’ for president, says Trump .World leaders react
The United States President, Joe Biden, on Sunday, announced that he is dropping out of his reelection battle with Donald Trump, in a historic move that plunges the already turbulent 2024 White House race into uncharted territory.
“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 focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden said in a letter posted on X.
The United States President has also endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential race.
Biden wrote on his official X handle Sunday evening: “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. 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.
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“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.”
Meanwhile, US Vice President Kamala Harris has praised President Joe Biden’s “patriotic” decision not to seek reelection on Sunday and vowed to win the Democratic nomination and defeat Donald Trump.
“With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else,” she said in a statement.
However, former president, Bill Clinton and ex-secretary of state, Hillary Clinton praised Joe Biden’s decision to abandon his White House reelection bid on Sunday, and threw their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris to take up the baton.
Lauding Biden’s “extraordinary career of service,” the Clintons said in a joint statement that they were “honoued” to join him in endorsing Harris as the Democratic nominee “and will do whatever we can to support her.”
“Nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term. He has promised to be a dictator on day one,” they continued.
Former Democratic House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, has also hailed Biden over the move, describing him as “one of the most consequential Presidents in American history”.
Biden is “a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history,” Pelosi said in a statement, expressing her “love and gratitude” to him.
Also, former president Barack Obama praised Biden’s decision to drop out of the White House race on Sunday, saying it was a testament to the US leader’s “love of country” — but warned of “uncharted waters” ahead of the November 5 election.
Biden had “every right” to run for reelection, the former president said in a statement, lauding the 81-year-old’s record and calling him a “patriot of the highest order.”
“We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges,” he continued.
Reacting, his Republican rival, Donald Trump, said on Sunday that Joe Biden was “not fit to run” and “is certainly not fit to serve” as president.
“Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve — And never was! … We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump posted on his Truth Social network shortly after Biden’s announcement.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden’s decision on Sunday to end his campaign to seek reelection in November generated reactions from foreign leaders on Sunday.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had known President Biden for years and that “He’s a great man.
“Everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As President, he is a partner to Canadians — and a true friend.
“To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in his reaction on X, said, “Joe Biden has achieved a great deal – for his country, for Europe, for the world,
“Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong, and the U.S. is a good and reliable partner for us.
“His decision not to run again deserves recognition.”
Reacting in a statement, new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency.”
He added: “I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, President Biden will have made his decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people.”
Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant on his part thanked Biden for his unwavering support of Israel over the years.
“Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable.
“We are grateful for your leadership and friendship,” he added.
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez in his comments on X said he admired “the brave and dignified decision of president @JoeBiden.
“Thanks to his determination and leadership.
“The U.S. overcame the economic crisis after the pandemic and the serious assault on the Capitol and has been exemplary in its support for Ukraine in the face of Putin’s Russian aggression.
“A great gesture from a great president who has always fought for democracy and freedom.”
Irish prime minister Simon Harris said in a statement: “On behalf of the people and government of Ireland. I … would like to thank you Mr President for your global leadership and your friendship as you make your announcement that you will not stand in the 2024 U.S. Presidential election.”
Harris who reacted in a statement added:
“Joe Biden, in all the offices he has held, has always been an unwavering voice and passionate worker for peace on the island of Ireland and our country owes him a great debt for this.”
Some of the other world leaders who reacted to Biden’s withdrawal are: Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov who in an interview with shot News outlet, said: “The elections are still four months away.
”And that is a long period of time in which a lot can change.
”We need to be patient and carefully monitor what happens.”
”The priority for us is the special military operation,” Peskov added, referring to the war in Ukraine.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Stoere, his Polish and Czech counterparts Donald Tusk and Petr Fiala respectively reacted to Biden’s withdrawal from the U.S. presidential race.
English (US) ·