Live Updates: President Joe Biden ends campaign, endorses Kamala Harris
Update (11:35 AM, July 22, 2024): Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is endorsing Harris.
Medical issue not a factor in Biden's decision, senior White House official says
From CNN's MJ Lee
President Joe Biden’s stunning decision to drop out of the 2024 race did not have to do with any medical issues, a senior White House official told CNN.
Biden has had no significant medical examinations – aside from daily check-ins with his doctor which in recent days had to do with monitoring his Covid-19 diagnosis – as he deliberated over his political future, the official said, and medical issues ultimately were not an issue.
Even as recently as within the last week, Biden suggested that a new medical problem would be the only thing that could prompt him to reconsider his decision to seek a second term, as public pressure on him to drop out continued to mount.
“If I had some medical condition that emerged, if somebody – if the doctors came to me and said you’ve got this problem, that problem. But I made a serious mistake in the, in the whole debate,” he told BET News’ Ed Gordon in an interview Tuesday.
The president’s last annual physical was in February. The White House has been criticized for declining to make more of Biden’s medical records public or his doctor available for questioning, after his disastrous debate performance raised alarm about his health.
Several dozen current and former Democratic National Committee members sign letter backing Harris
From CNN's Arit John
Several dozen current and former members of the Democratic National Committee have signed a letter backing Vice President Kamala Harris to replace President Joe Biden as the party’s nominee, according to a copy of the letter obtained by CNN.
“We believe our strongest candidate for President, who can best offer a clear, unifying vision for the future of the United States, is Vice President Kamala Harris,” the letter reads.
The letter also praised Biden for “all that he has done and continues to do for our country and the world.” The letter also urged delegates of the 2024 Democratic National Convention and “all voters in November, to support Kamala Harris for President of the United States.”
Remember: With Biden dropping out of the race, the Democratic Party will now need to choose a new nominee, without the typical series of primaries and caucuses that allow a broad swath of Americans to make their opinions known.
That decision will ultimately be made by the roughly 4,700 delegates to the Democratic National Convention. Either during a virtual roll call, which is tentatively planned for early August, or at the convention in Chicago beginning August 19, these delegates will select any eligible candidate to be the party’s nominee.
Now that Biden is no longer a candidate, his delegates are free to vote for whomever they’d like, and a major effort is underway to consolidate their support for Harris.
US stocks tick higher in premarket trading
From CNN's Nicole Goodkind
The US futures market edged up slightly Sunday after President Joe Biden announced he would step down as the Democratic nominee in the 2024 presidential election.
Futures tied to the S&P 500 added 0.2%, while Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq futures gained 0.1% and 0.3%, respectively.
Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, which some analysts believe has reduced market uncertainty.
“We expect a muted stock market reaction from President Biden’s resignation from the presidential race, as it was widely expected,” said Jay Hatfield, CEO at Infrastructure Capital Advisors, in a note Sunday evening.
Sen. Joe Manchin considering a run for president, sources say
From CNN's Jake Tapper
Sources close to Sen. Joe Manchin, an independent of West Virginia, say he’s considering re-registering as a Democrat and throwing his hat into the ring to run for president.
Secretary of State Blinken says Biden has "restored US leadership around the world"
From CNN's Jennifer Hansler
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised President Joe Biden after he announced that he is not seeking reelection.
“It has been — and remains —the honor of my life to work for @POTUS for the past twenty-two years. He has restored U.S. leadership around the world and delivered historic accomplishments as President. I look forward to building on that record with him over the next six months.”
Blinken via X
Hunter Biden praises his father’s life of service and "unconditional love"
From CNN's Sam Fossum
President Joe Biden’s son Hunter praised his father’s lifetime of public service after the president announced he would not seek reelection in a statement Sunday.
“Over a lifetime I have witnessed him absorb the pain of countless everyday Americans who he’s given his personal phone number to, because he wanted them to call him when they were hurting. When their last hopes were slipping through their hands. That unconditional love has been his North Star as a President, and as a parent. He is unique in public life today, in that there is no distance between Joe Biden the man and Joe Biden the public servant of the last 54 years.”
Hunter Biden via Naomi Biden on social media
Hunter Biden, who has struggled with addiction and has a close relationship with his father, also called on all Americans to thank the president for his service.
“I’m so lucky every night I get to tell him I love him, and to thank him. I ask all Americans to join me tonight in doing the same. Thank you, Mr. President. I love you, Dad,” Hunter wrote.
Biden has spoken to members of Congress, governors and supporters
From CNN's Samantha Waldenberg
President Joe Biden has spent Sunday talking to members of Congress, governors and supporters after he announced that he is dropping out of the 2024 race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.
The White House said Sunday that Biden “will continue to engage with key stakeholders” Sunday night and Monday.
Update (4:20 PM): Watch complete team coverage above.
Update (4:16 PM): El Paso Matters is reporting that all eight of El Paso's Democratic National Convention delegates endorsed Harris Sunday afternoon.
Update (4:06 PM): New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich is endorsing Harris. He issued the following statement:
“Vice President Kamala Harris is an extraordinary leader with a proven track record of getting things done. As her colleague, I saw her commitment to fighting for working families up close.
Her dedication to protecting our fundamental rights and freedoms, along with her tireless advocacy for justice, equality, and economic opportunity for all Americans, is second to none.
Her experience, vision, and unwavering resolve make her the ideal candidate to unite our party and lead our nation forward. I’m proud to support her candidacy and confident she will bring our country together and build a brighter future for everyone.
Let’s get to work.”
Senator Martin Heinrich
What to know about how the nominating process could play out
From CNN's Ethan Cohen
President Joe Biden will end his bed for reelection and has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.
Despite Biden’s backing, it remains unclear whether Harris will become the nominee, or what process the party will take to select an alternative.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
Does Harris just become the nominee? No. While Biden has already endorsed his vice president for the nomination, there’s no succession protocol for the presidential ticket in the way there is for the office. Harris will have to win a majority of the convention just like anyone else.
What’s the “virtual roll call”? Democrats are in the process of setting up a system to conduct their presidential nomination vote remotely before the party’s convention next month.
Under a plan presented Friday, delegates would get 24 hours’ notice before voting begins, and voting would take place via digital ballots emailed to delegates.
However, the party did not take any steps to approve the plan at Friday’s meeting. It’s not yet clear whether the party will stick with the remote vote plan or scrap it and allow the formal vote to happen on the convention floor.
How would other candidates get into the race? Under party rules, candidates must meet certain requirements to have their names placed into nomination to be the party’s presidential candidate.
They must gather hundreds of signatures from delegates (at least 300, but not more than 600) from several states.
Candidates also must meet a series of requirements laid out in party rules, including that they are a “bona fide Democrat” and that they have “established substantial support for their nomination as the Democratic candidate” for president. While this determination is to be made by the DNC chair, the party has not yet released more details on how eligible candidates would be determined.
What are delegates? There are two separate sets of delegates.
There are 3,949 pledged delegates. These are delegates who were selected through various state-level processes. About 99% of them were pledged to vote for Biden, based on his performance in primaries and caucuses around the country. The individuals who were pledged to vote for Biden were also approved by his campaign.
Roughly 750 (747 as of the last word from the DNC – this number can change) are automatic delegates. Also known as “superdelegates,” these are individuals who serve as delegates by virtue of another position they hold or held. These delegates are free to vote for the candidate of their choice, but under normal circumstances, they can’t vote on the first ballot if their votes could impact the results of the nomination (it’s not exactly clear whether they’ll be able to participate on this first ballot in this case.
Are Democratic delegates required to vote for the candidate who won them? No. Under Democratic party rules, pledged delegates “shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them.” However, the candidates’ right of review means that delegates can be expected to be loyal to the candidate to whom they’re pledged.
But now that Biden is no longer a candidate, his delegates are free to vote for whomever they’d like. He doesn’t need to formally “release” his delegates.
New Democratic nominee for president shouldn't have trouble getting on ballots in all states
From CNN's Ethan Cohen
The Democratic Party will now need to choose a new nominee for president after Joe Biden announced he would exit the race for reelection.
After the convention nominates a candidate, many election law experts say they won’t have much or any trouble getting on all 51 presidential ballots.
Unlike independent candidates, the Democratic and Republican nominees for president don’t need to gather signatures to appear on the ballot.
Instead, the major parties, by virtue of their popularity, enjoy automatic ballot access in every state. While the process varies by state, the parties typically submit their nominees’ names (and the names of candidates for presidential elector) to the state.
Biden hasn’t been officially nominated and the party hasn’t submitted his name to state officials. So the new nominee wouldn’t be, in an official sense, replacing Biden. Whoever the delegates select will be the Democratic nominee and they shouldn’t have an issue taking the Democratic ballot line.
However, that doesn’t mean that there wouldn’t be the possibility of litigation, even if it would be unlikely to succeed.
Read more about what may happen next with the Democratic nomination.
Biden-Harris campaign formally amends FEC filings and renames committee
From CNN's David Wright
The Biden-Harris campaign has formally amended filings with the Federal Election Commission to rename its principal committee, hours after President Joe Biden made his announcement that he would withdraw from the race.
On Sunday, the campaign committee filed paperwork with the FEC, which noted that the “committee name is different than previously reported,” re-designating the committee as “Harris for President.”
The committee also filed a letter with the commission stating: “Vice President Harris is now a candidate for United States President in the 2024 election and will henceforth be conducting campaign activities only in pursuit of that office.”
Remember: Control of the campaign war chest, however — totaling $95.9 million at the end of June — depends on whether Harris remains on the Democrats’ 2024 ticket.
According to a statement from the Campaign Legal Center, those funds would be directly available to the Democrats’ presidential ticket for use in the general election only if Harris is the party’s nominee or vice presidential nominee.
“The application of those FEC rules depends in part on who becomes the Democratic nominee for president. Specifically, because Biden and Harris share a campaign committee, the Vice President and her running mate can continue using the campaign’s existing funds for the general election if she is on the Democratic ticket as either the presidential or vice-presidential nominee."
Trevor Potter, founder and president of Campaign Legal Center
If Harris does not end up on Democrats’ 2024 ticket, the funds could not be directly transferred to a new candidate. The existing campaign account could be converted into a political action committee and use its funds indirectly.
Update (3:45 PM): New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham just released a statement:
"Americans owe President Biden an immense debt of gratitude for his strong, resolute leadership over the past three-and-a-half years. His stellar record includes guiding Americans out of a deadly pandemic, presiding over a historic economic recovery, and restoring dignity and respect to the Oval Office.
President Biden also has done more for New Mexicans during a single term than any president in history. His administration’s support of childcare and early childhood education initiatives in our state will improve New Mexicans’ lives for many years to come. We are eternally grateful for his support.
While President Biden is an indisputably great leader, his decision to withdraw from the presidential race at this fraught moment in U.S. history is in the best interest of the Democratic Party and the nation. This decision will ensure President Biden’s rightful place as one of the most successful––and selfless––presidents in U.S. history. It also provides a stark contrast to Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee whose convention speech last week amounted to a litany of selfish grievances.
As I have vowed before, I will do everything in my power to ensure that Donald Trump is denied another four years in the White House."
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Update (3:40 PM): New Mexico Rep. Gabe Vasquez just put out his reaction to Biden's announcement and some positive words for Harris.
We must now come together as a nation to defeat MAGA extremists, like Donald Trump & Yvette Herrell, who have attacked our fundamental freedoms, chief among them, reproductive rights. @KamalaHarris is the leader who can bridge the divide in our country & move our nation forward. pic.twitter.com/xZLiYZP1YE
— Gabe Vasquez (@Gabe_NM) July 21, 2024
Update (3:38 PM): Let us know who you think will be the Democrats' nominee below:
GOP congresswoman plans to introduce resolution calling on Harris to invoke 25th Amendment
From CNN’s Owen Dahlkamp
GOP Rep. Nancy Mace says she plans to introduce a resolution on Monday that calls on Vice President Kamala Harris to invoke the 25th Amendment and assume President Joe Biden’s duties.
“If Joe Biden does not have the cognitive ability to seek reelection, he does not have the cognitive ability to serve the remainder of his term,” she said in a post on X.
The White House has made clear that Biden plans to finish the remainder of his term.
GOP Rep. Chip Roy also introduced a similar amendment the day after the presidential debate in late June, where Biden’s disastrous performance triggered alarms and drew scrutiny.
Some context: The 25th Amendment was enacted in the wake of the assassination of John F. Kennedy, whose predecessor Dwight Eisenhower suffered major heart attacks. It was meant to create a clear line of succession and prepare for urgent contingencies. The amendment allows the vice president, with the support of Cabinet officials, to seize power from a president who is unfit for office — like one who is in a coma or suffered a stroke. The amendment sets a high bar for actually removing a president from office, however.
Some Cabinet members held preliminary discussions about invoking the 25th Amendment to force former President Donald Trump’s removal from office after the January 6 Capitol riot.
Speaker Johnson calls on Biden to resign after the president announces he won’t seek reelection
Originally Published: 21 JUL 24 17:19 ET
By Clare Foran and Morgan Rimmer, CNN
(CNN) — House Speaker Mike Johnson called on President Joe Biden to resign “immediately” in the wake of Biden’s announcement that he will not seek reelection.
“If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately,” Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, said in a statement Sunday afternoon.
Biden ended his reelection bid and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him on Sunday, in a major and historic move that upends the presidential race.
“Having invalidated the votes of more than 14 million Americans who selected Joe Biden to be the Democrat nominee for president, the self-proclaimed ‘party of democracy’ has proven exactly the opposite,” Johnson said.
As speaker of the House, Johnson is second in the line of presidential succession behind Harris.
Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell in a statement similarly accused the Democratic Party of “trying to upend the expressed will of the American people in primary elections across the country.” In contrast, however, McConnell did not call on Biden to resign the presidency.
While other Republican senators and members of Congress call for Biden to resign and accuse Democrats of disregarding their own primary results, GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska praised the president for his decision.
“I respect President Biden’s decision to act in the best interest of the country by stepping aside in the 2024 presidential election,” she said.
CNN’s Betsy Klein and Michael Williams contributed to this report.
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Update (3:20 PM):
From CNN’s Priscilla Alvarez and Manu Raju
Vice President Kamala Harris is making a round of calls Sunday, including to Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Nanette Barragán, according to a source familiar with the conversations. Harris’ team is also contacting senators, another source said.
Harris said she planned to earn the nomination and asked for support from Barragán, who said she was 100% behind the vice president, a source says.
Earlier Sunday, the Hispanic Caucus leader commended President Joe Biden’s record, following his announcement to drop out of the race.
“President Joe Biden is one of the most influential world leaders in American history, and I thank him for his decades of public service to the United States of America,” she said. “I am grateful to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for their partnership in the CHC’s mission to empower and uplift Latinos across America. I look forward to continuing our work together.”
Update (3:15 PM): More House Democrats are speaking out in support of Harris. There are 35 congressmen and 14 senators on the list so far, including those listed below:
- Rep. Ilhan Omar, a progressive Democrat from Minnesota
- Rep. Jamie Raskin, Maryland
- Rep. Robert Garcia, California
Update (3:12 PM):
From CNN’s Jennifer Agiesta
A CNN Poll of Polls average of recent polls testing Vice President Kamala Harris against former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election found a close race with no clear leader.
The CNN Poll of Polls is an average of the six most recent nonpartisan national surveys of registered or likely voters that meet CNN’s standards and ask about a 2024 presidential general election between Harris and Trump.
The Poll of Polls includes results from the CBS News/YouGov poll conducted from July 16 to 18, the NBC News poll conducted July 7 to 9, the Fox News poll conducted July 7 to 10, the NPR/PBS News/Marist College poll conducted July 9 to 10, the ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll conducted July 5 to 9 and the CNN poll conducted June 28 to 30.
Results show Trump holds 48% support in the average of six recent polls testing the matchup, while Harris holds 47%. Each poll was conducted after the CNN Presidential Debate last month and just one – the CBS/YouGov poll – was after the assassination attempt on Trump on July 13.
Surveys including named third-party or independent candidates are not included. When a pollster has released multiple polls in that timeframe, only their most recent is included in the average.
Update (3:05 PM): President Biden says he is committed to finishing out his current presidential term.
A White House spokesperson issued the following statement:
“President Biden inherited an economy in freefall, a skyrocketing violent crime rate, and alliances in tatters from his predecessor. He turned that around to deliver the strongest economic growth in the world and the lowest violent crime rate in nearly 50 years, while making NATO bigger than ever. He looks forward to finishing his term and delivering more historic results for the American people."
White House Spokesperson Andrew Bates
Update (3:00 PM): Continue watching and getting live updates on ABC News Live above.
Update (2:58 PM): New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich just released a statement reacting to the news:
“History will remember President Joe Biden as one of the most effective, accomplished, and successful leaders America has ever had. With his decision today to put country over self, the President has secured his legacy. I commend him for his selflessness, honor, and integrity.
From reducing the cost of prescription drugs, expanding health care for veterans, passing historic climate legislation, making once-in-a-generation investments in infrastructure, to securing the most meaningful gun safety measures in three decades, President Biden has left his mark on the greatest nation on earth.”
Senator Martin Heinrich
Update (2:55 PM): Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance just posted on social media reacting to Biden's announcement:
If Joe Biden ends his reelection campaign, how can he justify remaining President?
— JD Vance (@JDVance1) July 21, 2024
Not running for reelection would be a clear admission that President Trump was right all along about Biden not being mentally fit enough to serve as Commander-in-Chief.
There is no middle ground.
Update (2:36 PM): Texas State Senator César J. Blanco, who is a Superdelegate, just reacted to Biden's decision.
“President Biden’s record of achievements has cemented his legacy as one of the most impactful presidents in American history. I extend my deepest gratitude to President Biden for his dedicated service to our country.
As a Superdelegate, I am committed to working with our party to select an emerging nominee who will lead our nation and effectively guide our country forward.”
State Senator César J. Blanco
Update (2:35 PM): Harris found out about Biden's decision today, CNN learned from sources.
Now donors are saying they are ready to help fundraise for Harris in the coming days. That's according to CNN's recent reporting.
“She’s going to have to consolidate this in the next 24 to 48 hours,” the source said. “It’s really hers for the taking right now.”
“The level of enthusiasm, particularly with Kamala, would be though the roof,” the source added. “The race has totally changed.”
Update (2:28 PM): More reactions are coming down on social media:
I commend President Biden for stepping down. His infirmities were evident to any unbiased observer from the beginning. It was this progressive deterioration — and his abandonment of Democratic Party principles — that prompted me to enter the race and ensure American voters had a…
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 21, 2024
Update (2:22 PM): The following lawmakers and political groups are endorsing Harris:
- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts
- Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
- Rep. Cori Bush, Missouri
- Congressional Black Caucus PAC
Update (2:20 PM): Vice President Harris just released the statement below regarding Biden's decision to end his campaign and endorse her:
Update (2:16 PM): Former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and others are reacting to the news:
Joe Biden has served our country with honor and dignity.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) July 21, 2024
As the first president to ever walk on a picket line with striking workers, he has been the most pro-working class president in modern American history.
Thank you, Mr. President, for all you’ve done.
Update (2:15 PM): Trump campaign leadership is already speaking out against Harris' potential nomination. Read the statement below:
“Kamala Harris is just as much of joke as Biden is…. Harris has been the Enabler in Chief for Crooked Joe this entire time. They own each other’s records, and there is no distance between the two. Harris must defend the failed Biden Administration AND her liberal, weak-on-crime record in CA.
And during this entire term, Kamala Harris – as well as every other Democrat in Washington, sat by and did NOTHING. They are all just as complicit as Biden is in the destruction of our once-great Nation, and they must all be thrown out of office.
The question then to Kamala Harris is simple: knowing that Joe Biden withdrew from the campaign because of his rapidly deteriorating condition, does Harris believe the people of America are safe and secure with Joe Biden in the White House for six more months?”
Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles
Update (2:06 PM): More reactions and endorsements for Harris are coming in:
At this unprecedented juncture in American history, we must be clear about what just happened. The Democrat Party forced the Democrat nominee off the ballot, just over 100 days before the election.
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) July 21, 2024
Having invalidated the votes of more than 14 million Americans who selected Joe…
As President, Joe Biden has been — and is — an exceptional leader. He is responsible for developing and signing the most significant investment in climate solutions into law. He helped our nation navigate a global pandemic, ushered in an economic recovery that has created…
— Al Gore (@algore) July 21, 2024
President Joe 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.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 21, 2024
With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of…
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Nanette Barragan endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president on Sunday, after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.
Update (2:05 PM): El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser is reacting to the news. He released the following statement:
“President Biden has been a friend to El Paso during his presidency. From COVID vaccines when we needed them most, to critical funding as we faced a difficult and challenging humanitarian crisis in order not to put the burden on the backs of El Paso taxpayers, President Biden’s Administration has steadfastly stood with our city, and I will always be grateful to him and his team for their support. This country has faced many crossroads before. The ideals and values we embody are bigger than any one party and will prevail because of the strength of the American people. I wish the President success in the remainder of his term, and our country wisdom as we elect a new leader.”
Mayor Oscar Leeser
Update (2:00 PM): Former El Paso Congressman Beto O'Rourke is reacting on social media:
Courageous and selfless.
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) July 21, 2024
Update (1:50 PM): More reaction in coming in on social media, including from former President Barack Obama.
This is the statement released by Obama:
"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.
Sixteen years ago, when I began my search for a vice president, I knew about Joe’s remarkable career in public service. But what I came to admire even more was his character — his deep empathy and hard-earned resilience; his fundamental decency and belief that everyone counts.
Since taking office, President Biden has displayed that character again and again. He helped end the pandemic, created millions of jobs, lowered the cost of prescription drugs, passed the first major piece of gun safety legislation in 30 years, made the biggest investment to address climate change in history, and fought to ensure the rights of working people to organize for fair wages and benefits. Internationally, he restored America’s standing in the world, revitalized NATO, and mobilized the world to stand up against Russian aggression in Ukraine.
More than that, President Biden pointed us away from the four years of chaos, falsehood, and division that had characterized Donald Trump’s administration. 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.
This outstanding track record gave President Biden every right to run for re-election and finish the job he started. Joe understands better than anyone the stakes in this election — how everything he has fought for throughout his life, and everything that the Democratic Party stands for, will be at risk if we allow Donald Trump back in the White House and give Republicans control of Congress.
I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight. 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.
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. 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.
For now, Michelle and I just 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."
Former President Barack Obama
Joe Biden has served with his whole heart. Like so many times before, he has demonstrated his unwavering courage and true patriotism for the country and people he loves so much. Thank you, Mr. President. pic.twitter.com/gzW4QCywKW
— Joe Kennedy III (@joekennedy) July 21, 2024
Update (1:35 PM): Former President Donald Trump, who is the Republican nominee, reacted to the news on Truth Social:
"Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was! He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement. All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn't capable of being President, and he wasn't - And now, look what he's done to our Country, with millions of people coming across our Border, totally unchecked and unvetted, many from prisons, mental institutions, and record numbers of terrorists. We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
Former President Donald Trump via Truth Social
Update (1:25 PM): More reactions are coming in on social media and through officials statements from lawmakers. Here is a further selection:
Statement from President Clinton and Secretary Clinton pic.twitter.com/R7tYMFWbsu
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) July 21, 2024
I cannot overstate the gravity of the noble and history-making decision that President Biden just made. The feeling that I have right now is one of profound gratitude.
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) July 21, 2024
I am grateful that Joe Biden has been a friend, the most dedicated of public servants, and an extraordinary… pic.twitter.com/lteWj5RM64
Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar just sent out this statement:
"I would like to thank President Biden for his leadership. His presidency has seen the passage of key legislation that has boosted our economy, modernized our infrastructure, and offered much-needed support to our veterans. I look forward supporting the next Democratic nominee for President."
Congressman Henry Cuellar
It's been the privilege of my life to work on behalf of the greatest President of my generation.
— Veronica Escobar (@vgescobar) July 21, 2024
As one of Joe Biden's national co-chairs, I was proud to spread the word about the historic investments he championed and ushered into communities like mine, all over the nation.
🧵
Update (1:15 PM): Reactions from lawmakers are coming in on social media. Here is a selection of posts:
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
Joe Biden has now endorsed and fully supports his “Borders Czar” Kamala Harris to be the Democrat candidate for president.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 21, 2024
I think I will need to triple the border wall, razor wire barriers and National Guard on the border. https://t.co/1FYhuOP3vX
It looks more and more like that very early debate was a set up to force Biden to step aside.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 21, 2024
Today’s announcement may not have happened without that disastrous debate. https://t.co/b8aiitxfn7
As Vice President, I see @JoeBiden when the cameras are on and when the cameras are off—in the Oval Office, in the Situation Room, and on the campaign trail.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 20, 2024
Joe Biden is a leader who fights for the American people. pic.twitter.com/w2OIN6oGpU
Update (1:10 PM): Reactions from Borderland politicians are pouring in. Read through the statements gathered by ABC-7 below.
LULAC issued this statement:
“LULAC thanks President Biden for his years of leadership and public service during a time of both turmoil and transition. We applaud the President for his work to move forward legislation that helped make the United States a better place for all Americans. Through his actions, President Biden’s administration has sought to enhance economic opportunities, educational access, healthcare coverage, and worker protections for the Latino community, while also addressing critical immigration issues.
Latinos represent nearly 15% of the electorate and have grown at the second-fastest rate of any major racial or ethnic group in the U.S. electorate since the 2020 Presidential election, and we will play a decisive role in the upcoming election in November.
As we look ahead towards the next several months, LULAC is calling for new bold leadership that is representative of both our country and its values, and that supports the interest of the Latino and minority communities that are crucial to the fabric of America.
As a community, eligible Latino voters skew younger than the overall electorate. We are calling on the Democratic Party to acknowledge that our next generation will be a deciding force in the upcoming election, and it is in their – and everyone’s – best interest to put forward a strong candidate that speaks to the young Latino community. It is time to make space for the next generation to lead.”
LULAC
Senator Ben Ray Luján is also reacting:
"President Biden has devoted his life to serving the American people and putting working families first. I know President Biden, and I respect him, his character, and his strong leadership. There is no one like him.
President Biden accomplished what his predecessor could not — landmark investments in infrastructure and growing the economy, lowering prescription drug costs, and addressing the climate crisis. His legacy will be among the strongest of any American president. I know his decision to step aside was not taken lightly.
I thank President Biden for his decades of service to the American people and I will fight to ensure that we keep the White House in November.”
Senator Ben Ray Luján
New Mexico Congress woman Melanie Stansbury issued the following statement:
“I stand with and support President Biden in every possible way, including his decision today. As one of the most significant Presidents in American history, I am grateful for everything President Biden and the Biden-Harris Administration have done for the United States, the people of New Mexico and the world. From passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS & Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act to passing the PACT Act helping millions of Veterans—by all accounts, President Biden has been a transformational President.
Our focus now, must be on electing our VP and the Democratic ticket because we know that Donald Trump and JD Vance are the greatest threat our democracy has ever seen. Everything is on the line this November from women’s and LGBTQ rights, to the safety and well being of our communities, to the fight against climate change—and we MUST and we WILL win.”
Rep. Melanie Stansbury
Update (1:05 PM): Watch a live report on the announcement above.
President Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take the nomination.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KVIA) - In a post to his X account, President Joe Biden announced he will "stand down" from his presidential campaign and will "focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term."
Biden said he will address the nation later in the week.
