Washington —Former President Barack Obama praised President Biden as “a patriot of the highest order” in a statement following his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, but did not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the candidacy.
“Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me,” according to a statement issued Sunday. It added that Mr. Bi “pointed us away from the four years of chaos, falsehood, and division that had characterized Donald Trump’s administration.”
He continued, “I know Joe has never backed down from a fight. Looking at the political scene and handing the torch to a new nominee must have been one of the most difficult decisions he has ever made. But I know he wouldn’t make this decision unless he thought it was good for America. Joe Biden’s actions demonstrate his patriotism and serve as a model for future leaders to emulate.
However, Obama did not endorse Harris in his message, stating that while the Democratic Party “will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead,” he had “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,” the president added. “And I expect that every single one of us is prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.”
Obama has campaigned with his former vice president a few times this year but has remained silent on calls for Mr. Biden to withdraw from the race, despite reports from several news outlets that Obama was privately concerned about his chances of winning in November.
In 2008, Obama chose Mr. Biden, a senator representing Delaware since 1973, as his vice president.