Democratic strategist Van Jones praised Biden’s Oval Office speech and decision to opt out of the 2024 presidential race, saying it showed the leader can still “put people first and pass the baton.”
“He’s a good man. He threw himself on his sword. Most heroes fight to the end. He threw himself on his sword. He’s an old man, but his heart is still there. The words are not as clear as they used to be, but the love is as clear as it used to be and the heart is still there,” Jones said Wednesday, shortly after Biden finished his Oval Office address in which he discussed his decision to leave office and outlined the next six months of his term.
Jones indirectly contrasted Biden with former President Trump, saying, “The guy who sits in that chair is not going to give up power no matter what. He’s not going to give up power. He’s not going to get out of that chair, even if there’s a riot.”
“The people voted for him to step down from office and he didn’t step down. And the person who sits in that chair shows that character matters. Shows that you can have generosity and put the people first. You can pass the baton and you become a greater man because of it. You become more loved because of it,” Jones continued.
In his speech, Biden said he had decided not to seek reelection because after weeks of turmoil and growing pressure to withdraw, it had become clear that doing so was the path to uniting the Democratic Party.
“The past few weeks have made it clear to me that I need to unite my party in this important effort,” he said, adding, “We cannot let anything, anything get in the way of protecting our democracy – and that includes personal ambition. So I’ve decided the best way to move forward is to pass the baton to a new generation. That’s the best way to unite our country.”
“The cause of the nation is bigger than each of us,” he added.
The Oval Office speech was Biden’s first public appearance since announcing his withdrawal on Sunday, after which he endorsed Vice President Harris, who quickly solidified the support of many Democrats.
Calls for him to resign began after a poor performance in a late June debate, during which the 81-year-old Biden spoke in a low, raspy voice and struggled to finish his thoughts. He insisted he would continue the campaign but ultimately caved in after being urged, particularly by congressional leaders, to step back or risk Democrats losing both houses of Congress in November.
Jones warned last week that mounting pressure on Biden would soon come to a head, calling the past few weeks the “end game” for the president.
