Compiled from Seattle Medium news sources
In a stunning political development, President Joe Biden announced today that he will not seek re-election in the 2024 presidential race. This unexpected decision has swiftly propelled Vice President Kamala Harris to the forefront as the Democratic Party’s likely nominee, setting the stage for a historic showdown with former President Donald Trump.
President Biden, addressing the nation from the White House, cited a need for new leadership and a commitment to the next generation as his reasons for stepping aside.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve as your President,” Biden declared. “However, I believe it is time to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders who will continue to fight for the soul of this nation.”
Following his announcement, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, emphasizing her qualifications and readiness to lead. This endorsement has galvanized Democratic support for Harris, with high-profile endorsements rapidly coming in.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton have both endorsed Vice President Harris.
“We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her,” the Clintons said in a statement posted on X. “Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we’ve got to elect her.”
U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-WA, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, also expressed her full support for Harris in a statement.
“America owes a deep debt of gratitude to Joe Biden for his historic leadership—a true patriot who loves this country. In 2020, he saved American democracy by beating Donald Trump, and he has led one of the most successful Presidential administrations in history: building our economy back up after a devastating pandemic, delivering on historic legislative triumphs, uniting the world against dictators like Putin, and restoring decency and integrity to the White House. I am so proud to call Joe my President, and I have such profound respect for his willingness to pass the torch.”
“We must beat Donald Trump—and I know Kamala Harris can win. I am behind Vice President Harris one-hundred percent—she is exactly the woman we need to prosecute the case against Donald Trump, save American democracy, lead the fight to restore abortion rights, and build an economy that puts working people—not billionaires—first. I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as our next President.”
Prominent civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton was quick to endorse Harris, emphasizing the stakes of the upcoming election.
“Despite [Donald Trump’s] claims he has nothing to do with Project 2025, it is directly in line with his brand – not to mention the fact it was written by his former appointees, the very people he trusted to advise him throughout his Presidency,” Sharpton stated. “Project 2025 is an existential threat to America that will walk us up to the line of the reconstruction era, where Black, Brown, female, and other communities will see their rights withered to nothing.”
Sharpton also highlighted the unique challenges Harris will face.
“Vice President Harris and every Black woman in a seat of power are already under attack. Democrats and all Americans who trust in the fundamentals of democracy, freedom, and equality must put aside their differences to rally behind them,” he urged. “We must remember Vice President Harris was elected by the American people to stand ready to serve as the leader not just of her party but this entire nation.”
In Washington State, Democratic Party Chair Shasti Conrad called for unity behind Harris’s candidacy.
“President Biden has led our nation with courage and historic success,” Conrad said. “He is a true patriot who ensured the Democratic Party denied Donald Trump a second term and has accomplished more in one term than many presidents have accomplished in two. Today, I call on his delegates to support Vice President Kamala Harris to lead our Party and our country.”
Conrad praised Harris’s leadership and her role in the Biden-Harris administration’s achievements.
“Vice President Kamala Harris has spent the last four years championing and pushing President Biden’s successful agenda. Her lived experience as a Black and Asian American woman has inspired millions of people, myself included, to see ourselves occupying the highest positions of power and leadership,” Conrad noted. “We must offer our full-throated support for Vice President Harris and be ready to stand against the racism and sexism that we know will come.”
Support for Harris is also strong in Congress. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, made it clear that her allegiance lies solely with the Vice President.
“I know one thing, I will only work for Kamala Harris!” Crockett declared on social media. “If it’s anyone OTHER than her, enjoy campaign season.”
Senator Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, also expressed strong support for Harris, highlighting her significant contributions and leadership qualities.
“In the Senate, I saw firsthand what a fierce, committed, and effective champion Kamala is for the American people,” Hirono stated. “I’m proud to call Vice President Harris a friend and colleague, and I look forward to doing everything in my power to get her elected to the White House, so we can continue building on the progress of the last four years.”
Hirono also took a moment to acknowledge President Biden’s service.
“I’m extremely grateful for Joe Biden’s service to our country over the past five decades, and his leadership over the last four years,” she said. “As the only person to have defeated Donald Trump, President Biden understands as well as anybody how high the stakes are this November, and I respect his decision to pass the baton.”
Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., also called for unity in supporting Harris.
“I want to express my gratitude to President Biden for his lifelong dedication to improving America,” Thompson wrote on X. “While his decision to step down was undoubtedly challenging, I believe it’s time for the Democrats to unite and nominate Vice President Kamala Harris to lead us forward.”
As the nation grapples with Biden’s departure from the race, the Democratic Party must now coalesce around Harris to ensure a united front against the Trump campaign. With her extensive experience and steadfast commitment to progressive values, Harris stands poised to make history as the first Black and Indian American woman to lead a major party ticket in a presidential election.
The coming months will undoubtedly be challenging, with intense scrutiny and political attacks likely to intensify. However, Harris’s supporters remain resolute in their belief that she is the right candidate to lead the nation forward and uphold the principles of democracy, freedom, and equality.