Monumental developments in US politics this evening. 

We can barely keep up!

After Biden’s initial statement in which he did not endorse his Vice President Kamala Harris, his official account has now formally endorsed his Harris to take his place on the ticket. 

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 case you missed it, this is Biden’s statement in full, he mentions Harris and thanks her but did not endorse her. 

My Fellow Americans,

Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a Nation. Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.

I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our Democracy. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.

I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.

For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me. I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can’t do — when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.

 

The reaction is coming in thick and fast. An important one here from Governor of California Gavin Newson, who has been touted as a potential nominee for the Democrats if indeed Biden dropped out. 

In a tweet, he describes Biden as a “history-making president”. 

Crucially, he did not endorse Harris nor declare any intentions himself. 

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

Another potential replacement for Biden, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. 

Whitmer says she will do “everything I can”  to “stop Donald Trump” but does not specify exactly if this means she will run.

President Biden is a great public servant who knows better than anyone what it takes to defeat Donald Trump. His remarkable work to lower prescription drug costs, fix the damn roads, bring supply chains home, address climate change, and ensure America’s global leadership over…

— Gretchen Whitmer (@gretchenwhitmer) July 21, 2024

The first statement of reaction from the Republican candidate, former president Donald Trump. 

Trump shared his reaction on his Truth Social account, the social media website he owns. 

Chuck Schumer, who is the leader of the Democrats in the Senate, has said that Biden is a “true patriot” 

“Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he’s a truly amazing human being. His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first. Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American,” Schumer posted on X.

Unsurprisingly, Biden’s decision not to contest the election but to continue as president until January next year, when his term ends, has been criticised by Republicans. 

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said in a statement: “If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately.”

At this unprecedented juncture in American history, we must be clear about what just happened. The Democrat Party forced the Democrat nominee off the ballot, just over 100 days before the election.

Having invalidated the votes of more than 14 million Americans who selected Joe…

— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) July 21, 2024

Just to note, the endorsements for Harris have now come from beyond Biden himself. 

So there is some very early momentum building behind Harris already. 

New Dem Chair Annie Kuster, head of influential center-left caucus, tells me Kamala Harris has her "full throated endorsement."

So leaders of biggest progressive and moderate House Dem groups are on same page here https://t.co/uk6ZlEuHUB

— Max Cohen (@maxpcohen) July 21, 2024

Bill and Hillary Clinton, the Democratic party power couple and the respective former US President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, have endorsed Kamala Harris for the White House bid.

In a statement the pair thanked Joe Biden for his efforts as President over his term, giving mention to the Covid pandemic and the recovery of the economy.

“We join millions of Americans in thanking President Biden for all that he has accomplished, standing up for America time and time again, with his North Star always being what’s best for the country,” they said.

They added: “Now it is time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything that we’ve got to elect her. America’s future depends on it.”

Statement from President Clinton and Secretary Clinton pic.twitter.com/R7tYMFWbsu

— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) July 21, 2024

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, who previously said that tonight’s decision was Biden’s to make when asked if she thought he should step away from the race, has signalled support for Biden and celebrated his tenure.

“President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history,” she said on X.

Notably, unlike many other Democrats this evening, Pelosi did not publicly endorse Kamala Harris for the party nomination or indicate that she would do so, yet.

President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history.

With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of…

— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 21, 2024

Secretary of Transport Pete Buttigieg , who ran in the 2020 Democratic nomination race and is thought to be in the running to secure a VP spot under a Kamala Harris Presidency, has thanked Biden for his “unwavering focus”.

“Joe Biden has earned his place among the best and most consequential presidents in American history. I am so proud to serve under his leadership, and thankful for his unwavering focus on what is best for our country,” he said on X.

Joe Biden has earned his place among the best and most consequential presidents in American history.

I am so proud to serve under his leadership, and thankful for his unwavering focus on what is best for our country.

— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) July 21, 2024

The Democratic US Congressional Black Caucus, who represent around 120 million Americans in the US Congress, have fully backed Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.

“Americans and democracy-loving people around the world owe Joe Biden a great debt of gratitude,” the group said. “The Congressional Black Caucus PAC joins President Biden in fully supporting Kamala Harris as our party’s nominee.”

Congressional Black Caucus immediately throws in behind @KamalaHarris for Democratic presidential nominee. CBC stood with Biden during post-debate Dem tumult and voiced support for Harris to stay on ticket. Caucus is majority Black women, represents ~120M Americans. pic.twitter.com/YdDJTryfex

— Jawn Staley 🐴🤠🇺🇸🍑 (@errinhaines) July 21, 2024

Former US Vice President Al Gore applauded Biden’s “selfless” decision to step away from the US presidential election race.

“He is responsible for developing and signing the most significant investment in climate solutions into law,” the long-time climate activist said.

“He helped our nation navigate a global pandemic, ushered in an economic recovery that has created good-paying jobs for Americans across the country, and restored America’s standing abroad,” he added.

As President, Joe Biden has been — and is — an exceptional leader. He is responsible for developing and signing the most significant investment in climate solutions into law. He helped our nation navigate a global pandemic, ushered in an economic recovery that has created…

— Al Gore (@algore) July 21, 2024

Simon Harris has said that US President Joe Biden has been the “voice of reason” amid global crises such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the pandemic.

In a lengthy statement, the Taoiseach thanked him for his leadership and “friendship”.

You can read the full story from my colleague Mairead Maguire now.

Barack and Michelle Obama have praised Biden in a long statement this evening, but did not indicate who they would endorse or if they would join fellow Democrats in supporting Kamala Harris.

“Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded — again — that he’s a patriot of the highest order,” former President Obama said.

“Through his policies and his example, Joe has reminded us of who we are at our best — 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,” he added.

Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded – again – that he’s a patriot of the highest order.

Here’s my full statement: https://t.co/Bs2ZumFXxe

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 21, 2024

He added that Biden had an “outstanding track record” which gave him “every right” to seek a re-election, but said he believed that the President would not make his decision tonight if he did not feel it was the right one for the United States.

“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,” Obama said.

The former President added that he believes Biden’s vision of the United States can be achieved and must be discussed at the Democratic Party Convention in two weeks’ time. 

“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 — and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on,” he added.

You can read Obama’s full statement here.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reacted to the news of Biden’s departure from the US Presidential Election.

Stamer said he respects the President’s and looks forward to them both 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,” he said.

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

US Vice President Kamala Harris has said she is “honoured” to be endorsed by President Joe Biden after his departure from the US election this evening.

In her first statement since the breaking news today, Harris said she plans to “earn and win” the nomination from the party and “do everything in my power” to unite the Democrats in the run up to the election.

“With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else,” she said in a statement.

“I am honored to have the president’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination…. “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party — and unite our nation — to defeat Donald Trump.”