Democrats Applaud Biden’s Distinguished 50-Year Service and Bold Move to Step Down

This article was originally published by The 19th.

Democratic leaders and advocates have praised President Joe Biden for his five decades of public service and welcomed his announcement on Sunday that he would not seek a second term.

“President Biden is a great public servant who knows better than anyone what it takes to defeat Donald Trump,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer stated on the social media platform X.

Biden, now 81, has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who, if elected, would make history as the first female and first female of color president.

Many colleagues and activists applauded Biden for his sustained efforts in championing marginalized communities throughout his career.

“We are deeply grateful to President Biden for his more than 50 years of public service and his longtime support for the LGBTQ+ community,” Kelley Robinson, president of Human Rights Campaign, remarked. “Today’s announcement reflects his legacy and what President Biden has done his entire career: put the needs of Americans and his country above his own.”

Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin expressed her honor in collaborating with Biden. She highlighted significant achievements like lowering prescription drug costs and enhancing healthcare coverage for millions.

“Today, seniors are paying less for their prescription drugs, our state has been put to work rebuilding our infrastructure, and millions of Wisconsinites with preexisting conditions have health care coverage because of the work we’ve done together,” Baldwin shared.

Planned Parenthood President Alexis McGill Johnson commended Biden for prioritizing the country’s needs and future democratic values. She also acknowledged his leadership in defending sexual and reproductive health care.

“We are forever grateful for his leadership in fighting against attacks on sexual + reproductive health care,” Johnson stated.

Gen Z voters, represented by Voters of Tomorrow, praised Biden’s decision and expressed their support for Harris, noting her strong advocacy for young voters.

“Following President Biden’s courageous announcement today, we are ready to mobilize young people to elect Kamala Harris as president. As vice president, Kamala Harris has been one of Gen Z’s fiercest champions,” the organization stated.

Civil rights leader the Rev. Al Sharpton acknowledged Biden’s commitment to Black Americans, highlighting significant actions taken during his tenure.

“Whether it was his executive order on police accountability, answering our call for a summit on the rise of violent hate, or expanding healthcare access through the Inflation Reduction Act, the President heard Black America and acted,” Sharpton said. “And he did it all against relentless attacks by right-wing MAGA activists.”