World leaders react to Biden's decision to exit 2024 presidential race

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Jul 2024 13:24

Biden, 81, stepped down after weeks of pressure following a disastrous June debate against the Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

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In this illustration photo taken in Los Angeles on July 21, 2024, a person reads the X account of US President Joe Biden announcing he is not accepting the Democratic nomination for the 2024 presidential elections in front of a screen with his photo. (AFP)

World leaders reacted to President Joe Biden after he announced on Sunday that he was withdrawing from the US presidential race.

The incumbent US president made his decision public through a letter, a surprising move that reshapes the 2024 White House race. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic Party nominee.

Biden, 81, stepped down after weeks of pressure following a disastrous June debate against the Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, which raised concerns about his age and mental fitness.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro told Biden "to be at ease with your conscience because you took the sensible and correct decision."

"He [Biden] prioritised his family, his health and he realised at that age, with failing health, he couldn't take the reins of his country, much less a presidential candidacy," Maduro said, as he prepares for presidential polls this month.

Russia's Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the US presidential election is "the election is still four months away. And it's a long time, during which a lot can change."

"We need to pay attention, follow what will happen, and go about our business," he told the Life.ru news outlet.

Meanwhile, Israeli occupation Security Minister Yoav Gallant thanked Biden for his "unwavering support of Israel over the years."

"Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship," Gallant added.

European leaders

On his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Biden for his "bold steps" in supporting Ukraine, commending the US president's "tough but strong decision" to end his reelection campaign.

"He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, assisted us in preventing [Russian President Vladimir] Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war," he said.

Ukraine is grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support for Ukraine's fight for freedom, which, along with strong bipartisan support in the United States, has been and continues to be critical.

Many strong decisions have been made in recent years and they will be…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 21, 2024

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk hailed Biden for making "many difficult decisions thanks to which Poland, America and the world are safer, and democracy stronger."

Dear President @JoeBiden. You’ve taken many difficult decisions thanks to which Poland, America and the world are safer, and democracy stronger. I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) July 21, 2024

Similarly, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his respect for Biden's decision, adding, "I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people."

I respect President Biden's decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency.

I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people. https://t.co/SCxFFtyl73
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 21, 2024

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Biden his "friend", claiming that the US President "has achieved a lot: for his country, for Europe, for the world."

My friend @POTUS Joe Biden has achieved a lot: for his country, for Europe, for the world. Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong and the USA is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again deserves respect.
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) July 21, 2024

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also expressed his admiration for Biden's "brave decision", adding that "thanks to his determination and leadership, the US overcame the economic crisis following the pandemic and the serious attack on the Capitol and has been exemplary in its support for Ukraine."

Toda mi admiración y reconocimiento a la valiente y digna decisión del presidente @JoeBiden.

Gracias a su determinación y liderazgo, EEUU superó la crisis económica tras la pandemia y el grave asalto al Capitolio y ha sido ejemplar en su apoyo a Ucrania ante la agresión rusa de…
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) July 21, 2024

Trudeau, Albanese

Additionally, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Biden is "a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country."

"As president, he is a partner to Canadians -- and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you," he added.

I’ve known President Biden for years. He’s a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As President, he is a partner to Canadians — and a true friend.

To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you. pic.twitter.com/5mQvFn8INn
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 21, 2024

His Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese thanked the US president for "leadership and ongoing service."

"The Australia-US alliance has never been stronger with our shared commitment to democratic values, international security, economic prosperity and climate action for this and future generations."

Thank you for your leadership and ongoing service President Biden. The Australia-US Alliance has never been stronger with our shared commitment to democratic values, international security, economic prosperity and climate action for this and future generations. https://t.co/gkAggLguAj
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) July 21, 2024

Biden 'must resign'

On the other hand, leading Republican figures argued that Biden was unfit to even remain president.

"If Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as president," considered Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, stressing that the US president "must resign the office immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough."

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, wrote on his Truth Social network: "Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for president, and is certainly not fit to serve."