Biden: "It was the right thing to do" in suspending campaign, endorsing Harris
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President Biden made his first public remarks after suspending his campaign for re-election Monday, calling campaign workers in Wilmington, Delaware, just before his Vice President Kamala Harris was scheduled to visit with them.
Why it matters: Biden's comments will likely throw more weight behind Harris' bid to replace him on the Democratic ticket, and shed light on how he's feeling the day after halting his campaign.
What they're saying: "I know yesterday's news was surprising and hard for you to hear but it was the right thing to do," Biden said.
- Biden thanked his campaign team and acknowledged how hard they have worked to help him remain in the White House, but added "I think we made the right decision" in leaving the race.
- "The name has changed at the top of the ticket, but the mission hasn't changed at all," Biden said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
- The president said he will be "working like hell" to pass legislation and hit the campaign trail with Harris.
Biden asked campaign workers to give "every bit of your heart and soul that you gave to me to Kamala."
- "I won't be on the ticket, but I'm still going to be fully, fully engaged," he said. "I've got six months left of my presidency, I'm determined to get as much done as I possibly can. Both foreign policy and domestic policy."
Worth noting: In remarks at campaign HQ, Harris said that Biden campaign director Jen O'Malley Dillon has agreed to manage the Harris presidential campaign.
- Harris traveled to Wilmington from Washington D.C. earlier today with signs that signs simply said "Harris for President."
Go deeper: Biden's exit makes Trump the oldest nominee in U.S. history
