Biden exiting race sparks massive reaction among family, politicians and celebs
President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he will exit the presidential race, sparking massive reaction from politicians, experts and celebrities.
The 81-year-old commander in chief announced his exit in a letter posted to social media. His decision follows a lackluster debate performance that kicked off a growing number of calls from fellow Democrats to withdraw. Biden also tested positive for COVID-19 this week.
How politicians are reacting to Biden's decision
Former President Donald Trump, the 2024 GOP presidential nominee, responded Sunday on his own Truth social media site.
"Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was! He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement. All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn’t capable of being President, and he wasn’t - And now, look what he’s done to our Country," the statement from Trump read, in part.
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Vice President Kamala Harris also put out a statement.
"I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country. His remarkable legacy of accomplishment is unmatched in modern American history, surpassing the legacy of many Presidents who have served two terms in office," her statement read in part.
President Joe Biden endorses Kamala Harris after dropping out of 2024 presidential race
With President Joe Biden ending his reelection bid and endorsing Kamala Harris as the nominee, citing the best interests of the party and the country, Harris has become the likely candidate to replace him, while Biden will remain in office until January 20, 2025.
Former President Barack Obama also put out a lengthy statement.
"Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me," he said in an online statement. "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."
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton put out a statement saying Biden "has capped his extraordinary career of service with a Presidency that has lifted America out of an unprecedented pandemic, created millions of new jobs, rebuilt a battered economy, strengthened our democracy, and restored our standing in the world. By any measure, he has advanced our founders’ charge to build a more perfect union and his own stated goal of restoring the soul of our nation."
The Clintons also said they're endorsing Harris for the democratic nominee.
"President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first.," House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi tweeted. "God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness."
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"President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans," California Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted. "He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents."
"Joe Biden has earned his place among the best and most consequential presidents in American history," Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg posted. "I am so proud to serve under his leadership, and thankful for his unwavering focus on what is best for our country."
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. commended Biden for a "long career in public service." He said in a news conference at the Kennedy compound in Massachusetts that Biden displayed "admirable conduct and empathy" in his career.
Kennedy then continued with his traditional stump speech, saying both the Republican and Democratic parties prioritize the interests of corporations. He began his campaign by challenging Biden for the Democratic nomination but later switched to running an independent bid.
How Biden's family is reacting to his decision
His wife, first lady Jill Biden, tweeted a heart emoji along with her husband's announcement.
His granddaughter also weighed in.
"I’m nothing but proud today of my Pop, our President, Joe Biden, who has served our country with every bit of his soul and with unmatched distinction," Naomi Biden posted. "Our world is better today in so many ways thanks to him."
RELATED: From the debate until now, here’s a timeline of Biden’s decision to withdraw
How celebrities are reacting to his decision
"Joe Biden will go down in history as a man who accomplished significant achievements in his 4 year term," Barbra Streisand posted. "We should be grateful for his upholding of our democracy."
"President Biden is a great public servant who knows better than anyone what it takes to defeat Donald Trump," Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer posted. "His remarkable work to lower prescription drug costs, fix the damn roads, bring supply chains home, address climate change, and ensure America’s global leadership over decades will go down in history."
But some reactions have not been supported.
"If you think Joseph Biden was a danger to America as president, wait until you see what he’ll be like as a bitter, enraged lame duck," actor James Woods posted.
Heather MIller contributed to this report. This story was reported from Los Angeles.