President withdraws from 2024 race, endorses Kamala Harris
Reaction to the news Sunday that President Joe Biden was stepping away from his run for reelection and endorsing Vice President Kamala as the Democratic Party’s candidate was swift across the political world.
That included Mississippi, which is primarily Republican in state and national politics, but has Democratic candidates in key races for November.
President Biden announced with the release of a letter at midday Sunday that he had decided not to continue his campaign.
Reaction to Biden’s announcement started to come in shortly after the announcement, with Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker saying the decision was the best one for the nation.
Biden made the right choice:
“Old age hath yet his honor and his toil; "Death closes all: but something ere the end, "Some work of noble note, may yet be done…" Ulysses
Wicker’s opponent, Ty Pinkins released his own statement later Sunday afternoon, endorsing Kamala Harris for president.
“I have immense respect and gratitude for President Joe Biden’s leadership and dedication to our country. His decision to step aside is a testament to his selflessness and commitment to the greater good of our nation,” said Pinkins. “Vice President Kamala Harris has consistently demonstrated her unwavering dedication to justice, equality, and the American people. Her vision for our future is one that I wholeheartedly believe in and support.”
Pinkins continued, “I am honored to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for President. Her leadership, experience, and steadfast dedication to our shared values make her the ideal candidate to guide our nation forward. As a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, I enthusiastically support Vice President Harris’s nomination for President. I extend an invitation for her to visit Mississippi immediately after the convention to campaign alongside me. Let’s unite behind Vice President Harris to create a more inclusive and brighter future for all Americans.”
Dianne Black, the Olive Branch Democrat challenging Rep. Trent Kelly for Congress, sent the following statement to DeSoto County News:
“Biden did the right thing, but I was sad that he dropped out. I’m excited about Kamala Harris and who she will pick as her Vice President. I believe that inspired women will save our Democracy by voting in larger than ever numbers this November 5th.”
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves posted a short comment on the heels of the Biden announcement Sunday.
Have you ever seen a politician so strong and talented he made his opponent quit in the middle of the race?
Although Biden did not initially endorse Harris to replace him, he later came out voicing his support. Harris later released her own statement, saying it was her intention to earn and win the nomination.
Congressman Bennie Thompson, the only Democrat from Mississippi in Congress, posted this statement on his X account Sunday afternoon.
I want to express my gratitude to President Biden for his lifelong dedication to improving America. While his decision to step down was undoubtedly challenging, I believe it's time for the Democrats to unite and nominate Vice President Kamala Harris to lead us forward.
Mississippi Democratic Party Chair Cheikh Taylor released the following statement:
“President Biden holds a special place in our hearts. We owe him an immense debt of gratitude for his extraordinary leadership and selfless sacrifice for our nation. His steadfast guidance brought our country back from the brink after the pandemic and the worst economic crisis in 80 years. Mississippi Democrats will always be proud of the work done by the Biden-Harris administration. President Biden’s decision today exemplifies his dedication and love for our country.
“The Biden-Harris Administration has marked some of the most progressive years in our nation’s history. Joe Biden led us through a pandemic, codified same-sex marriage into law, championed student loan forgiveness, and passed a bipartisan infrastructure law that infused funds into countless communities. His down-to-earth, empathetic style and unwavering commitment to justice, compassion, and progress will be remembered for generations to come.”
