Democratic leaders react to Biden not seeking re-election

Published 5:00 pm Tuesday, July 23, 2024

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On Sunday, July 21, President Joe Biden announced he would drop out of the 2024 Presidential race, ending his bid for re-election. He immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the opposition against Donald Trump and encouraged the Democratic Party to support her. 

Biden’s unprecedented decision to withdraw from the election is the result of persistence from Democratic allies following a disastrous debate performance on June 27 that left many within the Democratic Party questioning his ability to sustain a presidential campaign, according to national news outlets. 

In North Carolina, state leaders and legislators took to social media to share their thoughts. 

Attorney General Josh Stein wrote on Sunday, “President Biden has put the American people first throughout his historic career — as senator, vice president, and president,”   

“His vast record of accomplishments include the Violence Against Women Act, historic expansion of healthcare access, record-breaking job growth across the country and in North Carolina, bipartisan infrastructure investments that will strengthen our economy for years to come, and the most consequential clean energy legislation in history,” 

“President Biden is a true patriot. His decision today exemplifies his commitment to always putting the country before himself. I thank him for his remarkable service to our nation.”

Senate Democrat Leader Dan Blue wrote, “The North Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus expresses profound gratitude to President Joe Biden for his remarkable service to our nation.” 

Blue continued, “We are incredibly thankful for President Joe Biden’s dedication and sacrifice for our country. His leadership was instrumental in guiding us out of the COVID-19 pandemic and spearheading some of the most significant infrastructure investments in our nation’s history. His tenure has left a lasting legacy of resilience and progress that has made the state of North Carolina, and America, a better place,”

“Under President Biden’s administration, North Carolina has witnessed the impact of a leader who genuinely cares about our people. His empathy, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of all our communities have left a lasting legacy, which we are committed to upholding and continuing.”

Marlene McCabe, chair of the Beaufort County Democratic Party, shared on social media why she supports Vice President Harris. She wrote that people should strive for unity and equity among all Americans and she believes Harris has the ability to bring people together. 

“VP Harris has worked to bring people together to advance opportunity, deliver for families, and protect fundamental freedoms across the country,” McCabe posted to the Beaufort County NC Democrats Facebook page on Monday.