Former President Barack Obama on Sunday called the former vice president “a patriot of the highest order” after he announced he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race following weeks of pressure from within the Democratic Party.
“Joe Biden has been one of America’s greatest presidents and a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we were also reminded that he is a patriot of the highest order,” Obama said.
The former president praised Biden’s achievements during his time in office. Posts published on Medium.
“He helped end the pandemic, created millions of jobs, lowered the cost of prescription drugs, passed the first gun control bill in 30 years, made the largest investment in history to combat climate change, and fought to ensure workers’ right to organize for fair wages and benefits. Internationally, he restored America’s standing in the world, reinvigorated NATO, and mobilized the world to counter Russian aggression in Ukraine,” Obama said.
“I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight, and for him to look at the political landscape and decide it’s time to hand the baton over to a new candidate was certainly one of the most difficult things he’s had to do in his life,” the former president continued.
President Obama, 62, had initially urged allies to support Biden after his disastrous defeat in the June 27 debate.
“Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know,” Obama wrote to X, referencing his own lackluster debate with Mitt Romney in 2012.
“But this election is a choice between someone who has spent his whole life fighting for ordinary people and someone who only thinks about himself,” he argued.
“There’s a gulf between someone who tells the truth, knows right from wrong and is honest with the American people, and someone who lies for their own gain.”
An update on President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race:
“Last night was no different. That’s why so much is at stake in November.”
But by mid-July, even President Obama was reportedly turning against Biden, facing growing concerns about his mental and physical health.
The 44th president reportedly warned Biden that his chances of defeating Republican candidate Donald Trump in November’s presidential election had “significantly diminished,” and told him he was worried about the former vice president’s legacy.
Obama also reportedly knew in advance of a bombshell New York Times op-ed by Hollywood executive George Clooney calling for Biden to drop out of the presidential race, but did not object.
President Obama has privately shared with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi about the growing concerns, a source told CNN.
“They are watching and waiting for President Biden to make a decision himself,” a longtime Democrat close to both Obama, Pelosi and Biden told the outlet.
Biden was said to have been hurt by Democratic Party leaders’ doubts about his viability, and his campaign responded with a scathing rebuttal.
“Let’s just remember that these people who are trying to get rid of Joe Biden are the same people who literally brought us Donald Trump,” a source close to Biden quipped to NBC News.
What you need to know about President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race:
“In 2015, Obama, Pelosi and Schumer pushed aside Biden and supported Hillary. They were wrong then and they’re wrong now,” they added.
Another source close to Biden added that it was a “hurt” when President Barack Obama dropped Biden from running for the White House in 2016, which could influence Biden’s decision to endorse his own vice president, Kamala Harris, for the presidential election.
“We will be navigating uncharted territory, but I have extraordinary confidence that the leadership of our party can create a process that will produce outstanding nominees,” Obama said in a Medium post.
“For now, Michelle and I simply want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so capably and bravely through this perilous time and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality on which this country was founded.”
