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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.
In a letter posted on X, President Biden said, "It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term."
In a separate post, Mr. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic Party's nominee for the November election.
President Biden's decision came weeks after a disastrous debate appearance against former President Donald Trump, which led to mounting pressure from Democrats calling for him to drop out.
This is the first time an incumbent U.S. president will not seek reelection since President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968.
Following President Biden's decision, Massachusetts lawmakers expressed their reactions.
"Joe Biden ran for President to restore the soul of our country and defeat the greatest threat our democracy has ever seen. And that’s exactly what he did," said Governor Maura Healey in a statement. "Few could have risen to the challenge the way Joe Biden has. He has restored our economy, defended our freedoms, and protected democracy at home and abroad. He has led with decency, empathy and brought Americans together. President Biden’s decision today not to seek reelection is the ultimate example of putting the country first — something Joe Biden has done over and over again in his unparalleled career. We are all deeply grateful to President Biden for his lifetime of service. Thank you, Mr. President."
"From reunifying NATO, to passing the largest climate investment in our history, President Joe Biden has helped save democracy and the planet," Senator Ed Markey posted on X. "He has a record unmatched in modern U.S. history, and I am forever grateful for his service and friendship."
"Joe Biden is the first president in U.S. history who has had to defend democracy at home & abroad simultaneously," said Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-04) on X. "He has done so admirably. Thank you for your service, Mr. President. Now let's win."
"Joe Biden’s presidency has been transformational," said Senator Elizabeth Warren on X. "He accomplished more in the past four years — to bring back jobs, stand up to big corporations, and build an economy that works for all of us — than we have been able to get done in the last forty. He deserves full credit for beating Donald Trump in 2020, and his selfless decision today gives us our best shot at doing it again in 2024. While Donald Trump tried to tear down our democracy to maintain his grip on power, Joe Biden willingly stepped aside in order to protect our democracy. President Biden’s selfless action is a profound gift to the people of the United States — and it’s on all of us not to waste it.
"I endorse Kamala Harris for President. She is a proven fighter who has been a national leader in safeguarding consumers and protecting access to abortion. As a former prosecutor, she can press a forceful case against allowing Donald Trump to regain the White House. We have many talented people in our party, but Vice President Harris is the person who was chosen by the voters to succeed Joe Biden if needed. She can unite our party, take on Donald Trump, and win in November."
Speaking to WBZ NewsRadio at the annual Roxbury Unity Parade, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu commented, "This feels like one more act of service and that he is exercising his best judgment for the greater good of the country."
This is an ongoing story.
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