Illinois officials react to Biden's decision to drop out of 2024 presidential race
CHICAGO (CBS) — Politicians in Illinois are reacting to Sunday's announcement that President Joe Biden has opted to step down from the 2024 presidential race ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month.
The announcement comes weeks after Democrats called for him to step down in the race against Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump. Those calls began to gain momentum after Biden's disastrous debate performance against Trump last month. Top Democrats urged the President in the past week to step aside, as polls showed not only would he lose to Trump but could also cost the party in Congress.
On Sunday, Biden also announced that he is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the new candidate for the Democratic National Convention. Harris says she will be seeking the Democratic presidential nomination and "intends to win it."
Former President Barack Obama said that Biden understood the stakes 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."
"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."
Governor JB Pritzker posted a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing gratitude towards Biden.
"He has dedicated his life in service to this nation, and its citizens are all the better for it. His is a storied political career culminating in one of the most accomplished and effective presidents of our life time.
As we extend our gratitude to President Biden and reflect on his many accomplishments, we must not ignore the threat posed by Donald Trump's potential return to the White House. Donald Trump is a 34 time convicted felon, adjudicated to have committed sexual assault, a racist, homophobe and misogynist. Trump brags about taking away a woman's right to choose, wants to rip healthcare away from tens of millions of people, proposes economic policies that will cost the middle class thousands of dollars a year, and threatens the fundamental American ideals we hold dear. I will work every day to ensure that he does not win in November."
Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot referred to Biden as "an American hero."
"As he has shown throughout his public service, he has always elevated service over self. He did that again today. God bless our president and his family. Now let's go beat Trump!"
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), in a statement, thanked the President for his work during the term and now says the party has to unite behind the next candidate.
"Throughout his public career, Joe Biden always put country first. His four years as President made it clear that he was determined to put our country back on track and restore the soul of our nation. America will be forever grateful for all he has given to this country. Now the Democratic Party must unite behind a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump and keep America moving in the right direction. I will do everything in my power to help that effort."
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) said, "No one has done more for working Americans than Joe Biden—and so many of us owe him a debt of gratitude for everything he's done to improve our country."
Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García, who, along with Sean Casten, called for Biden to step down on Friday, says his efforts will be remembered.
"President Biden is putting our country over his political career, and that's the definition of a true leader. He is one of the most consequential presidents of our time and the policies he has implemented, from getting our country out of the COVID pandemic, to the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure law, will have a generational impact beyond his presidency. His efforts will be remembered by a grateful nation.
The Progressive Change Campaign Committee, which has worked closely with the Biden-Harris Administration, says:
"There will be quick and enthusiastic unity around the nominee. Whether or not there is a formal process, we believe that will be Vice President Kamala Harris. President Biden's decision to pass the torch was made out of a love of country, and we thank him for his service."
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also reacted on X saying, "President Biden's policy achievements have already established his place as one of the most consequential presidents in American History. Through his decision today, Joe Biden has demonstrated the true and selfless nature of a life committed to putting the country and his fellow Americans first."
Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi said the announcement "is the culmination of years of lies from the Biden White House and Democrats shaming anyone who questioned the fitness of President Biden. Democrats are divided, torn apart by their own duplicity trying to pass off President Biden's inability to fulfill his role, while Republicans stand united behind President Trump and an agenda of freedom, prosperity, and safety."
