Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded — again — that he’s a patriot of the highest order.
Sixteen years ago, when I began my search for a vice president, I knew about Joe’s remarkable career in public service. But what I came to admire even more was his character — his deep empathy and hard-earned resilience; his fundamental decency and belief that everyone counts.
Since taking office, President Biden has displayed that character again and again. He helped end the pandemic, created millions of jobs, lowered the cost of prescription drugs, passed the first major piece of gun safety legislation in 30 years, made the biggest investment to address climate change in history, and fought to ensure the rights of working people to organize for fair wages and benefits. Internationally, he restored America’s standing in the world, revitalized NATO, and mobilized the world to stand up against Russian aggression in Ukraine.
More than that, President Biden pointed us away from the four years of chaos, falsehood, and division that had characterized Donald Trump’s administration. Through his policies and his example, Joe has reminded us of who we are at our best — a country committed to old-fashioned values like trust and honesty, kindness and hard work; a country that believes in democracy, rule of law, and accountability; a country that insists that everyone, no matter who they are, has a voice and deserves a chance at a better life.
This outstanding track record gave President Biden every right to run for re-election and finish the job he started. Joe understands better than anyone the stakes in this election — how everything he has fought for throughout his life, and everything that the Democratic Party stands for, will be at risk if we allow Donald Trump back in the White House and give Republicans control of Congress.
I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight. 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. It’s a testament to Joe Biden’s love of country — and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow.
We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have 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. And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.
For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times — and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on.
These are the great peoples of our time.
Interesting that he’s not even mentioning Harris.
He did the same thing with Biden for four years ago. He is trying to help the party rally around whoever the nominee is so he stays out of the selection arguments.
I think Obama had the news that Biden was withdrawing while the decision to endorse Harris was still being ironed out. I think it was likely in draft form a week ago. I don’t think it’s weird he didn’t mention Harris.
Doubtful.
Who will run in Biden’s place is a central consideration.
I think Obama very deliberately left Harris’s name out.
E: Know-nothings downvoting this, not sure why. You seriously believe this was an oversight? That Obama let it slip through? Dude was editor in chief of the Harvard Law Review.
Disappointing really, political leaders need to learn how to pass on to the next generation. The Dems are especially guilty of staying in office too long, and screwing up their own legacy in the process.
It’s not an accident. While likely, it isn’t guaranteed that Harris will be the nominee. While Michelle has said she doesn’t want to do it, she is on the short list of possibilities. If Barack had given an endorsement to Harris and then Michelle changes her mind, things get awkward.
Even if none of that comes to pass, including a message of support would be seen as an endorsement, and there’s no particular reason Barack needs to endorse Harris at this time. That’s seen as something of an official act, and politicians are very careful not to hand out an endorsement until they mean it. Doubly so when they’re former Presidents.
Lets say the party has a mess of a convention and Harris is struggling to band together the necessary delegate votes. Barack can step in and endorse her at that time to help give her an edge. Or he may see a better candidate and endorse them. In either case, there’s no reason to bind to a decision right now.
Perhaps Harris sails through the nomination. Barack can step in and endorse then to give her a boost in the general election. That boost isn’t necessarily just votes, either. Big name donors are listening, too.
From where Barack sits, there’s zero downside to waiting.
Who put Michelle on the shortlist besides Fox News pundits trying to bait the racists?
I can’t believe you’re being downvoted for this opinion, it’s really not that controversial a statement. I guess people have already memory-holed Dianne Feinstein and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
And Kennedy and Byrd. It’s a running shit show of politicians thinking they’ll live forever, or never lose an election. When what every one of them needs to be doing from day one, is prepping a successor in the public eye. A simple “thanks for electing me, and keep an eye on this awesome dude that wants my job too.”
I mean Joe stepped aside, didn’t he? Doesn’t mean you have to say oh this person’s young so I automatically think they are the right one for the job
Why did that feel like a repurposed eulogy?
A eulogy is any speech in praise of someone—it’s not restricted to funerals.
On this day, we remember !AbouBenAdhem@lemmy.world. Their words, their replies, their sentences.
Gather ye rosebuds while ye may…
Obama uses medium?
Love it. I hope he’s abandoned all the social media trash out of principle. Lead by example.
He helped end the pandemic,
Well I’m relieved to learn that the pandemic ended
