Democrats widely praised Biden’s decades-long record in public office following reports that he had dropped out of the race, but most of the party’s rising stars stopped short of fully endorsing Vice President Harris as the next candidate.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (Democrat), who has been mentioned as a possible running mate for Harris, called Biden “a great public servant who knows better than anyone what it takes to defeat Donald Trump.” Advertised the achievements of his administration and his illustrious political career.
Whitmer, who in the past has rejected suggestions that she would become the party’s nominee if Biden were to leave office, said she would do everything in her power to get Democrats elected and stop former President Trump, but stopped short of endorsing Harris, as Biden has done.
“My job in this election remains the same: I will do everything in my power to get Democrats elected and stop Donald Trump, a convicted felon whose agenda will raise costs for families, ban abortion across the country and abuse the power of the White House to settle scores for himself,” Whitmer, who serves as a campaign surrogate, said.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (Democrat), a popular state governor who is also frequently mentioned as a potential Biden contender, responded by praising Biden’s accomplishments and calling for the country to come together.
“President Biden will be remembered as a crucial president. Together with Vice President Harris, he navigated the chaos that followed the attack on the Capitol on January 6th and steadily led us out of a global pandemic,” Gov. Beshear said in a statement.
“His decision today was not easy, but it is in the best interest of our country and our party, and I want to thank him for his leadership, his kindness, and his success as a president who has accomplished great things that matter,” she added. “Now is a time for our people to come together. We need to curb the anger, the resentment, the noise. This is an opportunity to remember that we are taught to treat our neighbors as we treat ourselves, and that we are all neighbors to each other.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (Democrat), whose leadership has been in the spotlight recently, has not endorsed any candidate. Praised Biden is a “patriot who has honorably served our country as a senator, vice president and one of the most significant presidents in modern history.”
“President Biden has done incredible things to move our country forward, protect our democracy, and defend our true freedoms,” Shapiro continued. “I am proud to serve at his side and grateful for his leadership and his unwavering commitment to serving Pennsylvania, the state that raised him.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom (Democrat) praised Biden’s decision, saying, “President Biden has been an extraordinary and historic president — a leader who fought hard for working people and delivered incredible results for all Americans. He will go down in history as one of the most influential and selfless presidents ever.”
Pete Buttigieg (Democrat), Secretary of Transportation, who ran against Biden in the 2020 primary and later became a cabinet member, Responded “Joe Biden has earned his place as one of the greatest and most influential presidents in American history, and I’m proud to serve under his leadership and grateful for his unwavering pursuit of what’s best for our country,” Biden said during a news program on Sunday.
Biden announced Sunday that he would not run for president, ending a hard-fought campaign amid growing pressure from within his party. His announcement marked the end of a decades-long career in public office.
Ron Klain, Biden’s former White House chief of staff and close aide, called on the party to endorse Harris after criticizing donors and officeholders seeking to unseat Biden.
“Now that donors & voters have thrown out the only candidate who beat Trump, it’s time to end the political fantasy games and unite behind our outstanding @vp, @KamalaHarris, the only veteran of national campaigns!! Let’s be realistic and win in November!,” he wrote on social platform X.
