Former President Obama issued a statement calling his former vice president Joe Biden a true patriot after the current president stepped aside and ended his reelection campaign.
Obama wrote:
Joe Biden has been one of Americaâs most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, weâve also been reminded â again â that heâs a patriot of the highest order.
Sixteen years ago, when I began my search for a vice president, I knew about Joeâs remarkable career in public service. But what I came to admire even more was his character â 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 Americaâs 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 Trumpâs administration. Through his policies and his example, Joe has reminded us of who we are at our best â 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 â 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 wouldnât make this decision unless he believed it was right for America. Itâs a testament to Joe Bidenâs love of country â 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 Bidenâs 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 â and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on.
Obama’s statement highlights the fact that Joe Biden will forever have a legacy as a beloved hero among Democrats, and if the Democratic nominee beats Donald Trump, Biden will be a hero to most Americans.
Former President Obama stopped short of endorsing Vice President Harris, but given the immediate wave of endorsements elsewhere for Harris, it is clear where this is going. It doesn’t matter what process Democrats set up, Kamala Harris because she is the current vice president, and legally is the only candidate entitled to the Biden-Harris campaign organization and fundraising will be the Democratic nominee.
Joe Biden’s political story can’t be allowed to end with his letter. If Democrats go on to win this election, Joe Biden will be known to many as the president who saved American democracy.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
