There was immediate reaction to President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 race on Sunday, July 21, from prominent figures in the Democratic Party, including former President Barack Obama, the Clintons and major labor organizations. There was also reaction from the Republican side of the aisle with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., calling for President Biden to resign from office now.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi both supported Biden’s decision, calling it a difficult one to make, but the right one.
In a joint statement former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton not only supported Biden’s decision to drop out, but also his endorsement to replace him, Vice President Kamala Harris.
Former President Obama published a statement following Biden’s announcement, touting Biden’s successes in his long political career, including his time as Obama’s VP. Obama also said the Democratic Party is now entering “uncharted waters.”
On the Republican side, House Speaker Johnson said, “If Biden isn’t fit to run for president, he’s not fit to serve as one.” The Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, also canceled a presidential debate that was scheduled for October amid uncertainty on who will be the Democratic nominee.
So, what is next for the Democratic Party? It’ll probably be a busy week of further endorsements as questions swirl around who the vice president on the Democratic ticket would be if Harris is the presidential candidate.
After a tumultuous few weeks since debate night, the party as a whole seems reenergized, with reports showing Democrats have raised nearly $50 million since Biden’s announcement.
While a lot of attention turns to Kamala Harris in the coming days, it won’t be until the Democratic National Convention in August that the party secures its nominee to take on former President Trump in November.
