Barack Obama's Statement on President Biden's Announcement
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.
Sixteen years ago, when I began my search for a vice president, I knew about Joe’s remarkable career in public service. But what I came to admire even more was his character — his deep empathy and hard-earned resilience; his fundamental decency and belief that everyone counts.
Since taking office, President Biden has displayed that character again and again. He helped end the pandemic, created millions of jobs, lowered the cost of prescription drugs, passed the first major piece of gun safety legislation in 30 years, made the biggest investment to address climate change in history, and fought to ensure the rights of working people to organize for fair wages and benefits. Internationally, he restored America’s standing in the world, revitalized NATO, and mobilized the world to stand up against Russian aggression in Ukraine.
More than that, President Biden pointed us away from the four years of chaos, falsehood, and division that had characterized Donald Trump’s administration. 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.
This outstanding track record gave President Biden every right to run for re-election and finish the job he started. Joe understands better than anyone the stakes in this election — how everything he has fought for throughout his life, and everything that the Democratic Party stands for, will be at risk if we allow Donald Trump back in the White House and give Republicans control of Congress.
I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight. For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life. But I know he wouldn’t make this decision unless he believed it was right for America. It’s a testament to Joe Biden’s love of country — and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow.
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. I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August. And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.
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.
Interesting that he's not even mentioning Harris.
He did the same thing with Biden for four years ago. He is trying to help the party rally around whoever the nominee is so he stays out of the selection arguments.
What a former president should do. Stay out of the spotlight and let others take the lead.
I think Obama had the news that Biden was withdrawing while the decision to endorse Harris was still being ironed out. I think it was likely in draft form a week ago. I don't think it's weird he didn't mention Harris.
Doubtful.
Who will run in Biden's place is a central consideration.
I think Obama very deliberately left Harris's name out.
E: Know-nothings downvoting this, not sure why. You seriously believe this was an oversight? That Obama let it slip through? Dude was editor in chief of the Harvard Law Review.
Is Ralph Nader still alive?
Disappointing really, political leaders need to learn how to pass on to the next generation. The Dems are especially guilty of staying in office too long, and screwing up their own legacy in the process.
It's not an accident. While likely, it isn't guaranteed that Harris will be the nominee. While Michelle has said she doesn't want to do it, she is on the short list of possibilities. If Barack had given an endorsement to Harris and then Michelle changes her mind, things get awkward.
Even if none of that comes to pass, including a message of support would be seen as an endorsement, and there's no particular reason Barack needs to endorse Harris at this time. That's seen as something of an official act, and politicians are very careful not to hand out an endorsement until they mean it. Doubly so when they're former Presidents.
Lets say the party has a mess of a convention and Harris is struggling to band together the necessary delegate votes. Barack can step in and endorse her at that time to help give her an edge. Or he may see a better candidate and endorse them. In either case, there's no reason to bind to a decision right now.
Perhaps Harris sails through the nomination. Barack can step in and endorse then to give her a boost in the general election. That boost isn't necessarily just votes, either. Big name donors are listening, too.
From where Barack sits, there's zero downside to waiting.
Like 300 delegates and everybody else has already endorsed her. And after raising 70 million dollars yesterday, she has the nomination. There's no way it isn't Harris on the ticket.
Who put Michelle on the shortlist besides Fox News pundits trying to bait the racists?
Pollsters. Michelle was the only name that had really strong polling against Trump.
I can't believe you're being downvoted for this opinion, it's really not that controversial a statement. I guess people have already memory-holed Dianne Feinstein and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
And Kennedy and Byrd. It's a running shit show of politicians thinking they'll live forever, or never lose an election. When what every one of them needs to be doing from day one, is prepping a successor in the public eye. A simple "thanks for electing me, and keep an eye on this awesome dude that wants my job too."
Yup. This isn't just a political issue, either. Apparently, companies are suddenly realizing that their CEOs haven't been training successors, so their c-suite is getting older and older, and no one is positioned to take their place.
I mean Joe stepped aside, didn't he? Doesn't mean you have to say oh this person's young so I automatically think they are the right one for the job
Well, A) I'm not saying that; no one is saying that, and B) yes, he stepped aside. After a month of denial and coordinated pressure from the entire party. That makes him marginally better than most of the party, but doesn't invalidate the commenter's point about the Democrats' failure to pass the torch.
What are you saying then?
I'm agreeing with the original commenter; political leaders need to learn how to pass on to the next generation, and the Dems are especially guilty of staying in office too long,
What does that have to do with her getting the nod from Obama or not?
The commenter I'm replying saw it as another sign that the Democrats are bad at passing torch. If you disagree with that assessment, then why are you directing your comments at me instead of him?
Edit: You weren't clear about what opinion you were referring to I suppose when you said
Yeah but fuck Harris
Uh, you said you wanted Bernie 2 days ago. He's not running.
So?
I like Bernie Sanders.
I don't like Harris.
You'll find that a common thread in many people on the left
Harris wasn't running for president 2 days ago either__
My friend, I'm afraid your literary flub disqualifies you from commenting anymore. I need to ask you to step down, as your brain is obviously mush.
You're the worst type of person
What's the problem with Harris?
She's not progressive she's a former prosecutor who was "tough on crime" which was and is more often than not meaning harshly prosecuting our most vulnerable members of society who should be getting help not longer jail sentences
Ok, but will you vote for Harris over Trump if those are your choices?
What candidate would make you happy?
Of course I would! I'd vote for a dead fish over Trump. I'll hold my nose and vote for her. Just like I'd've hold my nose and vote for the also conservative Democrat Joe Biden
That's all you got? Fox News talking point from 4 years ago? Maybe look at what's she's done since. Love Bernie, but we're not replacing an old guy with an older guy.
"fox News talking point"
Riiight because they'd really talk down about being tough on crime on Fox
Go ahead and tell me what she did since, how about i in the last 4 years that was soooo valuable.
I'm not going to Google shit for you but here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/therecord/
Wow! You'd think that you knew what she did that was so impressive how hard you're showing for her
The common thread being fuck the Democrats because they didn't do exactly what I wanted.
Yeah it is a common thread on the "left". By which I mean the tankies who are dazzled by russian disinfo. We have a few short weeks to get loud about defeating Trump. Waah waah I don't like Harris or Biden or Newsom or Whitmer or Whothefuckever is the predetermined talking point for all the russian outlets. It's just a weird coincidence it's also your talking point.
Hey if "the left" like Bernie so much (as do I) why not get out there and make it a floor fight? I'll tell you why; because "the left" doesn't actually care. If you want to argue that it'd be pointless because Harris is pre-selected, you'll be acknowledging that "the left" just want to shit in the river for the Democratic nominee and have zero interest in actually promoting who they say they promote. The "left". Right.
Holy shit. Please show me literally anywhere. I said I wasn't going to vote blue no matter what. Please show me where I said I didn't like anyone or any other choice. Go ahead look through my history. It's right there in front of you
They haven't even nominated Harris. And yeah, you're sure to say " Oh yeah they might as well have since she raised a lot of money"
I can't make a single post talking about how I just don't like Harris, without it becoming oh look at this guy. You rather have Trump if it's not literally Mao!
Fuck China. Fuck the tankies fuck the " far left", And everyone who shit posts from ML and hackbear.
But just as importantly, fuck you neo-democrats who will accept just any fucking conservative Democrat and blindly bow to them. I'm not a cult fascist everyone is for Donald, And so many people were for Biden just 3 days ago Yelling at people who dared say he should just retire.
So maybe instead of just shit-talking Harris, you could say something like “I support the Democrats and will be voting blue, but I don’t like Harris”?
Because once you’ve said that, you’re more or less left with the inference that “I hope she doesn't win” (aka yay trump) or “I’m planning to shit talk Democrats and progressives who are not progressive enough for me all the way to the election but not in a, like, republiQan way.”
You've convinced me. Harris is awful I'll vote for Trump instead.
Hurrrrr durrr
Remember guys, you can't dislike someone or else you want Trump to be president.
Remember blind Faith and following or else!!
No criticizing New Dear Leader!
The reason this post sucks so much is because "New Dear Leader" makes no fucking sense. When you swear loyalty to some sweaty loser, you're stuck with them until they eat a bullet.
Versus this, where a guy stepped down for the good of his own party and country and will voluntarily lose power in a few months.
...
Kamala is the implied 'new dear leader', the person who will be running for president for 4+ years.
I was saying that I DARED speak bad about her and am being voted against for nothing.
wtf you on about
Dear leader is cult / authoritarian speak. This swap occurred precisely because it's not a cult or some sort of authoritarianism that Democrats want...it's fucking policy.
Your lingo sucks precisely because of that incongruity.
Go see if the Republicans will ever have a "new dear leader" and notice how they stick with the same two time loser at the head of the party despite him trying to overthrow the government because he couldn't accept his latest loss.
You said New Dear Leader, implying that Biden was the Old Dear Leader.
Well just two days ago people were in a fucking froth if you dare say he step back. and now if anyone DARE say anything bad about Kamala, someone who doesn't even have the nomination yet, people call you a russian plant or leftist stooge or whatever
I’m confused as to why this is such a downvoted opinion…
Anyone downvoting me too please just understand I obviously think trump and Biden and many others are worse… the bar is just incredibly low
Because the neolibs are awake
We're being gaslit that everyone wasn't just saying that for the last 6 years because she's now the likely primary