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.
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."
Yup. This isn't just a political issue, either. Apparently, companies are suddenly realizing that their CEOs haven't been training successors, so their c-suite is getting older and older, and no one is positioned to take their place.
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
Well, A) I'm not saying that; no one is saying that, and B) yes, he stepped aside. After a month of denial and coordinated pressure from the entire party. That makes him marginally better than most of the party, but doesn't invalidate the commenter's point about the Democrats' failure to pass the torch.
What are you saying then?
I'm agreeing with the original commenter; political leaders need to learn how to pass on to the next generation, and the Dems are especially guilty of staying in office too long,
What does that have to do with her getting the nod from Obama or not?
The commenter I'm replying saw it as another sign that the Democrats are bad at passing torch. If you disagree with that assessment, then why are you directing your comments at me instead of him?
Edit: You weren't clear about what opinion you were referring to I suppose when you said