From 'Fearless' to 'Fraud' - Leading US Politicians react to Kamala Harris' candidacy
Joe Biden is out. At 13:46 Eastern Standard Time, the news of his withdrawal from the White House race spread around the world. "I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to step aside and focus on fulfilling my responsibilities as President for the remainder of my term," Biden stated in a social media message. Shortly thereafter, he expressed his intention to run for the succession of his Vice President Kamala Harris.
Things move quickly after that.
While Biden's supporters praised him with laud and respect for his withdrawal, Democrats at all levels rallied behind Harris. They hope to put an end to a month of chaos.
On Sunday evening, it seems that Vice President Harris is on the right track to step into Biden's shoes. From Capitol Hill to Hollywood, Democrats are strengthening their backs for Harris. No other leading party members have announced plans to challenge the 59-year-old yet. And Biden's campaign team has already officially renamed itself "Harris for President."
"I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party and our nation – to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme agenda for Project 2025," Harris declared in a statement. "We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win."
Possible Rivals Rally Behind Kamala Harris
In the shortest time, influential party figures have pledged their support to Harris. Among them is a series of influential governors who were still considered potential frontrunners in the recent weeks.
"Tough. Brave. Tenacious. Facing our threatened democracy and uncertain future, there is no one better suited to pursue the case against Donald Trump's dark vision and lead our country in a healthier direction than Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris," wrote California Governor Gavin Newsom on the platform X. And thus put an end to rumors of his own candidacy.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also announced his intention to support Harris. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper expressed similar sentiments.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who had already ruled out her candidacy, is still holding back with a direct endorsement for Harris.
Prominent Democrats Honor Biden's Withdrawal
Before that, dozens of prominent Democrats had welcomed Biden's withdrawal and recognized his achievements.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer praised Biden as a "true patriot" who puts "his country, his party, and our future first." Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the House, also lauded Biden's decision. "The legacy of his vision, his values, and his leadership makes him one of the most important presidents in American history," Pelosi wrote, who had previously put pressure on Biden behind the scenes.
Former President Barack Obama, under whose administration Biden served as Vice President, sees in his withdrawal a demonstration of "love for the country" and calls him a "patriot of the first order." At the same time, Obama warned his party colleagues: "We are entering uncharted territory in the coming days." Neither Obama nor Pelosi have yet thrown their support behind Harris as a successor.
The former Presidential couple Bill and Hillary Clinton paid tribute to Biden's "extraordinary career". "We join millions of Americans in thanking President Joe Biden for all that he has done", they declared. The Clintons also endorsed Harris' candidacy. "We will do everything we can to support her", they explained. "Nothing concerns us more than the danger of a second Trump term."
Republicans rally for attack
It didn't take long for the aforementioned Donald Trump to comment on the news from the White House.
"The corrupt Joe Biden was never able to run for re-presidency – and the same goes for being able to hold the office", wrote the 78-year-old on his social network "Truth Social". Shortly afterwards, in a second posting, he added: His campaign team had invested time and money "in the fight against the fraudulent Biden". "We have to start all over again", Trump fumed. Harris was not mentioned in the posts at all.
On the other hand, Trump's freshly nominated vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance was harsher towards Harris. "Joe Biden was the worst president of my life, and Kamala Harris has followed him every step of the way", Vance wrote on the platform X. He accused Harris of being responsible for Biden's "policy of open borders and green fraud" and claimed that the vice-president had "lied about Biden's mental abilities for almost four years". He and the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump were "ready to save America, no matter who is at the helm of the Democrats".
Mike Johnson, the Republican chairman of the House of Representatives, called on Biden to resign immediately. "If Joe Biden is not capable of running for the office of President, then he is not capable of carrying out the duties of the President", Johnson wrote on X. "He must resign immediately." Other Republican politicians such as Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Senator Josh Hawley accused the Democrats of "rigging their own elections".
Hollywood thanks "legend"
In Hollywood, stars and celebrities reacted with recognition to Biden's decision to drop out of the race. Barbra Streisand, a confessed Democrat, expressed her gratitude to the President for "preserving our democracy".
Actor Mark Hamill, famous for his role as Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars series, praised Biden's record in the highest terms. "He has restored honesty, decency, and integrity to the office after four years of lies, crimes, scandals, and chaos." Now it was the duty of patriotic Americans to vote for the Democrats, who would honor and carry on Biden's legacy.
Talk show host and comedian Jon Stewart reacted to Biden's letter with just one word. "Legend", he wrote.
- Despite Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, influential Democrats like California Governor Gavin Newsom and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro have pledged their support for his potential successor, Vice President Kamala Harris.
- Following Biden's announcement, Republican critics such as Donald Trump and Mike Johnson accused him of failing to meet the requirements of the presidency and called for his resignation or immediate withdrawal.
- Hollywood celebrities, including Barbra Streisand and Mark Hamill, praised the outgoing US-President for his efforts to preserve democracy and restore honesty and decency to the office, and endorsed Vice President Harris for the upcoming elections.
