US elections: Biden drops out of 2024 presidential race, endorses Harris

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A Muslim American group says it supports Joe Biden's decision to stand down as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee.

"We recognise the necessity for new leadership that can advance the best interest of voters and uphold our pluralistic democracy," Emgage Action says in a press release.

The organisation's CEO, Wa'el Alzayat, says the group "remains clear-eyed about the critical importance of voting in November for President and down ballot races where elected officials have the most impact on our daily lives".

"Regardless of who the new presidential nominee will be, the Muslim American community and other minority communities both at home and abroad, will be impacted by the candidates elected into office," he adds.

"The stakes are too high for voters to sit out the election."

J. Miles Coleman, associate editor of Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, says that "to the extent that Democrats are having problems with polling, it might be a Biden specific issue".

"Looking to the DNC, probably the big focus will be reintroducing Harris to voters," Coleman says, adding that unfortunately for her, one of the most important roles for the vice president is "taking flak and criticism for the president".

"If they can reintroduce Harris on her own terms, this could be beneficial.

"She is going to be connected with the Biden administration and she could articulate what the administration accomplished.

"Almost all delegates will be loyal Biden people. I expect them to be deferential to Harris. I'd be surprised if Harris doesn't get the nomination."

Coleman "wonders if Joe Biden's approval ratings will go up", adding that Barack Obama had "some of his highest approval ratings" when Donald Trump won.

Muhammad Sankari, a member of the US Palestinian Community Network based in Chicago, reacts to Joe Biden announcing he will not be standing for re-election as president.

"First and foremost, our movement set the stage for this result," Sankari says.

"I know there's been a lot of talk about him being old, but I believe the Biden administration has been under attack for its support for the Israeli genocide.

"The political pressure we've mounted from the outside has been effective.

"I believe our movement was what started this domino effect and ended up with him being removed.

"Otherwise, of course, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't happy to see this result."

US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calls President Joe Biden "one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history".

"In less than one term, he rescued the nation from a once-in-a-century pandemic, brought the economy roaring back from the brink of recession, enacted consequential legislation for everyday Americans and saved our democracy by defeating the insurrectionist-in-chief," Democrat Jeffries says on X.

"America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity.

"We are forever grateful."

My statement on President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. pic.twitter.com/FyHiIn51Kz

— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) July 21, 2024

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calls Joe Biden a "great man".

"Everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As president, he is a partner to Canadians – and a true friend," Trudeau says on X.

"To President Biden and the First Lady [Biden's wife Jill]: thank you."

I’ve known President Biden for years. He’s a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As President, he is a partner to Canadians — and a true friend.

To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you. pic.twitter.com/5mQvFn8INn

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 21, 2024

US Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez backs Kamala Harris, saying she pledges her "full support to ensure her victory in November".

"Kamala Harris will be the next president of the United States," left-winger Ocasio-Cortez says on X.

"Now more than ever, it is crucial that our party and country swiftly unite to defeat Donald Trump and the threat to American democracy.

"Let's get to work."

Kamala Harris will be the next President of the United States. I pledge my full support to ensure her victory in November.

Now more than ever, it is crucial that our party and country swiftly unite to defeat Donald Trump and the threat to American democracy.

Let’s get to work.

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) July 22, 2024

A pro-Palestinian group slams Joe Biden for arming Israel in its war on Gaza, following the US president's announcement he would not be seeking re-election.

"The tireless work of the movement for Palestinian freedom that has organised from the streets to the ballot box to demand a ceasefire and an end to this genocide has played a key role in bringing us to this moment," Jewish Voice for Peace Action says in a statement.

The group calls for the Democratic nominee who contests the presidential election to "immediately change course by calling for an arms embargo on the Israeli government and establishing a foreign policy centered in human rights".

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky thanks Joe Biden for taking "bold steps" in supporting his country, praising the US president's "tough but strong decision" to end his reelection bid.

"The current situation in Ukraine and all of Europe is no less challenging, and we sincerely hope that America's continued strong leadership will prevent Russian evil from succeeding or making its aggression pay off," Zelensky says on X.

Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to stick largely to Joe Biden's foreign policy playbook on key issues such as Ukraine, China, and Iran but could strike a tougher tone with Israel over the war on Gaza if she replaces the president at the top of the Democratic ticket and wins the US November election.

(Reuters)

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California Governor Gavin Newsom endorses Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket, removing a key possible rival to the nomination after Joe Biden's shock exit from the White House race.

"With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump's dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than America's Vice President, @KamalaHarris," Newsom writes on X.

Tough. Fearless. Tenacious.

With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump's dark vision and guide our country in a healthier direction than America’s Vice President, @KamalaHarris.

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 21, 2024

All 50 Democratic Party state chairs have thrown their weight behind Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party's new presidential nominee, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The chairs held a conference call on Sunday after President Joe Biden announced he was stepping aside as the party's candidate.

There was "full support" in backing Harris to be at the top of the ticket, one source said.

(Reuters)

California Governor Gavin Newsom says Joe Biden has been an "extraordinary, history-making president".

Biden has been a "leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans", says Newsom, who could be an option to replace the octogenarian as Democratic presidential nominee.

"He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents," he adds, thanking Biden.

President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans. He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents.

Thank you, @JoeBiden. https://t.co/HMUMEB1fTl

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 21, 2024

Joel Albers, an activist from Minneapolis who has been protesting at Republican National Conventions since the mid-1990s, says Joe Biden standing down is "probably a good thing".

He adds that this is "just because of the frailty factor and problems in that debate". Biden recently struggled in a debate against Republican former president Donald Trump, prompting questions around the Democrat's age.

"Republicans are trying to woo working class people from the manufacturing industrial Midwest, and they're lying to them," Albers says.

"That's what I'd like to see the Democrats do, move towards a more progressive agenda, and make a more clear distinction between the Democrats and Republicans.

"On foreign policy, unfortunately, they're not too far apart, and it's just really sad, Biden not stopping sending arms going towards the slaughter in Gaza.

"If Trump got into office, he would probably be worse on military policy. And his economic proposals make no sense."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with President Joe Biden at the White House this week as planned, despite Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, a person familiar with Biden's schedule has said.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment publicly, said the exact timing of the meeting has not been established because Biden is recovering from Covid-19.

Netanyahu's office has announced that the two men would meet on Tuesday.

Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver an address to Congress on Wednesday. He is also expected to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris, who is now seeking the Democratic Party's nomination.

An official in Netanyahu's office confirmed that the Israeli leader was set to travel to Washington, as scheduled, on Monday. The official also spoke on condition of anonymity pending a formal announcement.

Donald Trump and running mate J.D. Vance slammed the record of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, as the incumbent bowed out of the White House race and sought to pass the torch to his number two.

Biden's momentous decision to ditch his reelection bid was met with quick scorn from Republican presidential candidate Trump, in a series of posts on his Truth Social platform.

"Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve – And never was!" Trump wrote. "Whoever the Left puts up now will just be more of the same."

Then his campaign team piled on, lashing into the vice president after Biden endorsed her to take his place atop the Democratic Party's presidential ticket, saying she would be "even worse" than the outgoing leader.

"Harris will be even worse for the people of our nation than Joe Biden. Harris has been the Enabler in Chief for Crooked Joe this entire time. They own each other's records, and there is no distance between the two," the campaign said in a statement.

Later, it was Vance's turn to heap scorn on Biden and Harris.

"Joe Biden has been the worst President in my lifetime and Kamala Harris has been right there with him every step of the way," the Republican senator wrote on X, saying Harris had "lied for nearly four years about Biden's mental capacity."

"President Trump and I are ready to save America, whoever's at the top of the Democrat ticket. Bring it on," Vance concluded.

US Vice President Kamala Harris says her "intention is to earn and win" the Democratic Party's nomination for president.

"On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as president of the United States and for his decades of service to our country," she says on X.

"I am honoured to have the president's endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination."

Harris adds that she will "do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party – and unite our nation – to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda".

On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country.

I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 21, 2024

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he saw Joe Biden's love for America through working with him and that "our partnership" has led to achievements including "steadfast support for Israel".

"Working with @JoeBiden, I saw firsthand his love for America and dedication to service," Sunak, now leader of the opposition, says on X.

"Our partnership has led to significant achievements, including AUKUS, steadfast support for Israel and joint efforts in defending our people from Houthi threats.

"I wish him all the best."

Working with @JoeBiden, I saw firsthand his love for America and dedication to service.

Our partnership has led to significant achievements, including AUKUS, steadfast support for Israel and joint efforts in defending our people from Houthi threats.

I wish him all the best.

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 21, 2024

Independent US Senator Bernie Sanders says Joe Biden has served America with "honour and dignity".

"As the first president to ever walk on a picket line with striking workers, he has been the most pro-working class president in modern American history," Sanders, who lost the 2020 Democratic nomination race to Biden, says on X.

"Thank you, Mr. President, for all you've done."

Joe Biden has served our country with honor and dignity.

As the first president to ever walk on a picket line with striking workers, he has been the most pro-working class president in modern American history.

Thank you, Mr. President, for all you’ve done.

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) July 21, 2024

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Sunday that US President Joe Biden's decision to drop his reelection bid deserved recognition, and praised his achievements including strengthening the NATO military alliance.

"Joe Biden has achieved a great deal: for his country, for Europe, for the world," Scholz said on X.

"Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong and the USA is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again deserves recognition."

(Reuters)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he "respects" Joe Biden's decision not to stand for re-election as US president.

"I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency," Starmer adds on X.

"I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people."

I respect President Biden's decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency.

I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people. https://t.co/SCxFFtyl73

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 21, 2024

Barack Obama praised US President Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the White House race on Sunday, saying it was testament to the US leader's "love of country" – but warned of "uncharted waters" ahead of the 5 November election.

Biden had "every right" to run for re-election, the former president said in a statement, lauding the 81-year-old's record and calling him a "patriot of the highest order".

"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," he continued.

Israel's President Isaac Herzog expresses his "heartfelt thanks" to Joe Biden for his support for the Israeli people after the US president announced he will not be standing for re-election.

"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to @POTUS Joe Biden for his friendship and steadfast support for the Israeli people over his decades long career," Herzog says on X.

"As the first US president to visit Israel in wartime, as a recipient of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, and as a true ally of the Jewish people, he is a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our two peoples."

Herzog says he sends his "warmest wishes" to Biden's wife Jill and all his family.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to @POTUS Joe Biden for his friendship and steadfast support for the Israeli people over his decades long career.

As the first US President to visit Israel in wartime, as a recipient of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, and as a true…

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) July 21, 2024

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere has reacted to Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the 2024 US presidential race.

"I respect Joe Biden's decision not to run for re-election. That justification deserves respect," Stoere told national broadcaster NRK.

"Biden has been one of America's most prominent politicians over several decades, and a president who has carried out several important reforms."

(Reuters, The New Arab)

Former president Bill Clinton and ex-secretary of state Hillary Clinton praised Joe Biden's decision to abandon his White House re-election bid on Sunday, and threw their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris to take up the baton.

Lauding Biden's "extraordinary career of service," the Clintons said in a joint statement that they were "honoured" to join him in endorsing Harris as the Democratic nominee "and will do whatever we can to support her".

"Nothing has made us more worried for our country than the threat posed by a second Trump term. He has promised to be a dictator on day one," they continued.

Here are two reactions from European leaders to Joe Biden withdrawing from the 2024 US presidential election race.

"Mr. President @JoeBiden, many times you have made difficult decisions that have made Poland, America, and the world safer, and democracy and freedom stronger," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk says on X.

"I know that you were guided by the same principles when announcing your latest decision. Perhaps the most difficult one in your life."

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has also reacted.

"It is undoubtedly the decision of a statesman who has served his country for decades. It is a responsible and personally difficult step, but it is all the more valuable," he says on X.

"I am keeping my fingers crossed for the USA that a good president emerges from the democratic competition of two strong and equal candidates."

(Reuters, The New Arab)

Joe Biden has endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, to be the Democratic Party's nominee to run against Donald Trump.

"My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my vice president. And it's been the best decision I've made," Biden said on X.

"Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats – it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this."

My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best… pic.twitter.com/x8DnvuImJV

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024

In a phone call with US broadcaster CNN minutes after Joe Biden announced his exit from the 2024 presidential race, Donald Trump responded: "He is the worst president in the history of our country.

"He goes down as the single worst president by far in the history of our country."

Former president Trump also said he thought Vice President Kamala Harris will be easier to defeat than Biden would have been, according to CNN.

(Reuters)