Obama praises Biden after withdrawal: "A patriot of the highest order"
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President Biden with former President Obama at a campaign fundraiser in Los Angeles on June 15. Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
Former President Obama lauded President Biden following his decision Sunday to drop out of the 2024 presidential race, saying it was a testament to Biden's "love of country."
Why it matters: Unlike several lawmakers and even the Clintons, Obama stopped short of endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to replace Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket. That doesn't mean he won't ultimately.
- Biden endorsed Harris to be the Democratic presidential nominee shortly after announcing his exit.
The big picture: Biden's decision to drop his re-election campaign is a reminder "that he's a patriot of the highest order," Obama said in a statement Sunday.
- "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," he added.
- The Democratic Party will be "navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead" and it will be up to party leaders "to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges," Obama said.
Zoom in: Obama is staying on the sidelines of the political fray surrounding the question of who will succeed Biden, according to a person familiar with the matter.
- "Just like he did in 2020 once Joe Biden earned the nomination, President Obama believes he will be uniquely positioned to help unite the party once we have a nominee, lift up that candidate, and do everything he can to get that candidate elected in November," they said.
State of play: Harris has already received several endorsements from high-profile Democrats and influential groups, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), the Congressional Black Caucus and Emily's List.
- Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton endorsed Harris while praising Biden for his decision.
- Notably, some Democratic Party leaders did not immediately support Harris.
Catch up quick: Biden faced intense pressure to withdraw from the race following his shaky debate performance on June 27 against former President Trump — after which elected Democrats, donors and allies expressed urgent concerns about the 81-year-old president's candidacy.
Go deeper: Biden endorses Kamala Harris: What to know about her presidential bid
