COLUMBUS, Ohio — Political leaders in Ohio are reacting to President Joe Biden's historic decision to end his reelection bid.
The decision comes after escalating pressure from Biden’s Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which the 81-year-old president trailed off, often gave nonsensical answers and failed to call out the former president’s many falsehoods. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take on Trump and encouraged his party to unite behind her.
Biden plans to serve out the remainder of his term in office, which ends on Jan. 20, 2025.
“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," Biden wrote in a letter posted to his X account.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine shared a statement saying that he's known Biden since 1995 when he entered the U.S. Senate and served with him on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
"Fran and I wish President Biden and the First Lady all the best as he serves out the remainder of his term and in the years ahead," DeWine said.
Trump's running mate, JD Vance called Biden the worst president in his lifetime, adding that Harris was with him every step of the way.
Sen. Sherrod Brown, from Ohio, called on Biden to drop out of the election last week and released a statement Sunday saying, "I thank President Biden for his years of committed service to the country we love — as Senator, as Vice President, and as President."
Ohio U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno, who is running against Brown, criticized Biden and Harris, saying in part, "Together with Sherrod Brown, they will stop at nothing to finish their radical agenda. The Democrats will scramble to change faces, but the American people know all too well the results of their policies. That's why we will defeat Sherrod Brown and Kamala Harris in November."
House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) praised Biden’s leadership.
“President Biden is and always has been a brave and selfless leader. His love for his country first has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest American presidents in history. We are thankful for his years of service, and we know when he leaves office he’ll continue to be a party statesman and hero for the next generation,” Russo said in part.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther joined in on praising Biden's service and leadership.
"President Biden exemplifies a spirit of service, one that spans more than half a century and two branches of federal government - including the highest offices in the land. Through it all, he has led with tremendous grace, grit and perseverance, consistently demonstrating his commitment to lifting up working-class families while advancing the best interests of all Americans at home and abroad. His decision to end his reelection campaign at this time is the latest example of his enduring dedication to the strength and well-being of our country," Ginther said.
Columbus City Councilmember and Democratic delegate Shannon Hardin took to X to post his support for Biden's decision and put his endorsement behind Harris.
"From his leadership during the pandemic, economic recession, and social unrest, to his landmark achievements spanning climate and student debt and infrastructure, Joe Biden has been one of the most accomplished presidents of my lifetime. Now he is putting country over politics to help us all save democracy. I am a party delegate. I stand with Vice President Kamala Harris, who I was proud to endorse in her last presidential election," Hardin said.
Other reactions from national political leaders, like the Clintons and former President Donald Trump, came pouring in after the announcement.
Trump called Biden "not fit to run for President."
"Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve - And never was!" Trump said in his post. "All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn’t capable of being President, and he wasn’t."
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton thanked Biden "for all he has accomplished, standing up for America time and again, with his North Star always being what's best for the country."
In their statement, the Clintons also endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris and vowed to "do whatever we can to support her."
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