Obama on Biden: “Joe has never backed down in a fight. Surely this is one of the most difficult decisions of his life”
Former President Barack Obama has written a message on X, as well as a lengthy letter regarding Joe Biden’s decision, who was his vice president, to withdraw from the race for the White House: “Joe Biden has been one of the most significant presidents in the history of the United States, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today we are reminded once again that he is a patriot of the highest order.”
In the rest of his lengthy letter, Obama highlights Biden’s virtues and their long friendship. However, for the moment he does not express his support for Kamala Harris or any specific candidate, but rather states that Democrats will navigate “unknown waters,” although he has confidence in “a process that will yield an outstanding candidate.”
“Sixteen years ago, when I began looking for a vice president, I was aware of Joe’s extraordinary career in public service,” Obama begins in his message, published on the Medium platform. “But what I came to admire even more was his character: his deep empathy and hard-won resilience; his fundamental decency and his conviction that everyone counts,” assures the former president.
“Since taking office, President Biden has demonstrated that character over and over again. He helped end the pandemic, created millions of jobs, reduced the cost of prescription drugs, passed the first major gun safety law in 30 years, made the largest investment in history to combat climate change, and fought to ensure workers’ rights to organize for fair wages and benefits. On the international front, he restored America’s position in the world, revitalized NATO, and mobilized the world against Russian aggression in Ukraine. More than that, President Biden moved us away from four years of chaos, falsehoods, and division that characterized the Trump administration. Through his policies and his example, Joe has reminded us of who we are at our best: a country committed to the values of old, such as trust and honesty, kindness and hard work; a country that believes in democracy, the 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 states.
“This remarkable record gave President Biden every right to seek re-election and finish the work he started,” adds Obama. “Joe understands better than anyone what is at stake in this election: how everything he has fought for throughout his life, and everything the Democratic Party stands for, will be at risk if we allow Donald Trump to return to the White House and give Republicans control of Congress.”
“I also know that Joe has never backed down in a fight. For him, looking at the political landscape and deciding that he must pass the torch to a new candidate is surely one of the most difficult decisions of his life,” states the former president. “But I know he wouldn’t make this decision if he didn’t believe it was best for America. It is a testament to Joe Biden’s love for his country and a historic example of a true public servant who once again puts the interests of the American people above his own, and that future generations of leaders would do well to follow.”
“We will navigate unknown waters in the days ahead,” acknowledges Obama. “But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding candidate will emerge. I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America, offering opportunities to all, will be fully present at the Democratic Convention in August. And I hope that each and every one of us will be ready to carry that message of hope and progress through November and beyond.”
“For now, Michelle and I,” he writes on behalf of himself and his wife, “just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for guiding us so skillfully and bravely through these perilous times, and for their commitment to the ideals of liberty and equality upon which this country was founded.”