President Biden announced Sunday he will not seek reelection in 2024, sparking a flurry of reactions from prominent New York politicians just four months before Election Day.
Biden, 81, wrote in his statement he believes dropping out is in the best interest of the Democratic Party and the people of the United States.
“Passing the torch at this critical moment shows his continued commitment to our country,” New York City Mayor Adams said in a statement.
He also praised Biden’s leadership in the years following a COVID-19 pandemic that devastated the city.
“America owes a debt of gratitude to President Joe Biden,” Adams declared. “He took us out of COVID, stabilized the country, and restored the soul of the nation.”
The high praise wasn’t solitary.
New York Rep. Jerrold Nadler likened Biden’s time in the Oval Office to those of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson
“[Biden] will go down as one of the most consequential Presidents in American history—having led our nation’s recovery through one of its darkest chapters and making record-breaking investments in American families,” Nadler wrote in a post on X. “Joe’s announcement today reflects what we’ve known all along: He is an American patriot who is willing to put America’s interests over his own.”
Biden has backed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic nominee. Later Sunday, she announced she would run for president.
Among the vice president’s supporters was Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who endorsed Harris’ presidential run in a post on X Sunday night.
“Now more than ever, it is crucial that our party and country swiftly unite to defeat Donald Trump and the threat to American democracy,” she said.
AP Photo/Brittainy Newman
Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a news conference at the New York City Emergency Management Department on Friday April 5, 2024 in New York. (AP Photo/Brittainy Newman)
“From here, the Democratic Party must continue to put working people first and address their concerns about the cost of living, public safety and our shared democratic values,” Adams said. “I look forward to working with senior members of the party as we make our push toward November and ensure we address the concerns of New Yorkers and all Americans.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed those thoughts, calling Biden’s decision a patriotic act.
“Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he is a truly amazing human being,” Schumer said. “His decision was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party and our future first.”
New York’s Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand also weighed in, highlighting Biden’s numerous accomplishments.
“President Biden has served our country with courage, compassion, integrity and decency,” Gillibrand said. “His administration’s achievements in gun safety, veterans’ health care, infrastructure and climate change have significantly improved the lives of millions of Americans.”
The Rev. Al Sharpton, an outspoken critic of Donald Trump, reflected on Biden’s motivations and his legacy, particularly in addressing racial injustice.
“When Joe Biden first ran for president, he was motivated by the ugliness of neo-Nazis and Klansmen marching in Charlottesville,” Sharpton said. “He has fulfilled his promise to heal our nation’s soul.”
“This administration has delivered for Black America and steered our nation on a better course.” Sharpton added. “We cannot forget the reality of a second Trump term is a real threat, and Biden has made significant strides in ensuring a more equitable future for all Americans.”
Meanwhile, New York Rep. Nicole Malliotakis called for Biden to “resign immediately.”
“Make no mistake, whoever replaces Joe Biden on the ballot will push the same left-wing Democrat agenda that is destroying our country and has led to an unprecedented illegal immigration crisis, unsafe and unaffordable cities and record high interest rates, energy costs and food prices,” she stated.
In his Sunday afternoon statement, Biden emphasized the progress made during his term and his deep gratitude to the American people. He also wrote that he plans to focus on presidential duties for the remainder of his term.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump celebrated the news, writing, “Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve – And never was!”
“We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly,” Trump wrote, adding: “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
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