Updated July 21, 2024 at 17:47 PM ET
In the wake of President Biden's announcement that he will not seek reelection, congressional Democrats have praised his decision and his leadership, but many Republicans are using the moment to call on Biden to resign the presidency.
Democrats in Congress were at the forefront of the pressure campaign for Biden to step aside and are now facing a mad scramble to replace him as the party's nominating convention looms in just under one month. The demands for Biden's resignation now trigger a complicated process that will force the party to launch a new campaign and defend Biden's competence at the same time.
Democrats rush to praise Biden
Democrats responded with a mix of laudatory statements focused solely on Biden and support for elevating Vice President Kamala Harris. Top leaders primarily focused on Biden.
"Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader but he's a truly amazing human being," Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X. "His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first. Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American."
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement that "President Joe Biden is one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history....America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity. We are forever grateful."
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif, also released a statement that did not mention Harris, a fellow Californian. Pelosi said Biden's "vison, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history.
"With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment," the statement reads. “God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness.”
Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., one of Biden's closest allies in Congress and a former leader of the Congressional Black Caucus, thanked the president for "his unparagoned leadership" and threw his support behind Harris.
"I am proud to follow [Biden's] lead in support of her candidacy to succeed him as the Democratic Party's 2024 nominee for President," Clyburnsaid in a statement.
Many rank-and-file members, like Rep. Hillary Scholten — a Democrat representing a competitive seat in Michigan — used the moment to get behind Harris.
"There’s so much at stake this election — let’s unite as a country behind Vice President Kamala Harris and rise victorious over extremism this November," she wrote. "There has never been a more critical election than this one for women’s reproductive rights, for democracy, and for our future.”
Private relief from anxious Democrats
Democrats who were pushing for Biden to step aside expressed relief that the decision was finally made. But they also said there was uncertainty ahead and hoped it would fuel new motivation from Democrats to work hard to rally behind new ticket, even though it was unclear what it would look like.
Two House Democrats who were granted anonymity to speak candidly about a sensitive private discussions said those who wanted to see Biden leave the race were thrilled at the news.
One who quietly wanted to see Biden leave the race said the news was not a total surprise.
The lawmaker went onto say that if Biden didn't step out by Monday, he was going to face a new wave of members calling for him to leave the presidential race. The Democrats credited top leaders and Biden allies like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Obama with creating an pressure campaign that Biden could not avoid.
Republicans say Biden must resign
House Speaker Mike Johnson called on President Biden to "resign the office" immediately, saying in a statement: “If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President...November 5 cannot arrive soon enough.”
Rep. Elise Stefanik, also a member of Republican leadership, echoed the sentiment: "If Joe Biden can’t run for re-election, he is unable and unfit to serve as President of the United States," Stefanik, R-N.Y., wrote on X. "He must immediately resign."
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., said she will introduce a resolution Monday calling on Harris to invoke the 25th Amendment to force Biden to step aside.
"If Joe Biden does not have the cognitive ability to seek reelection, he does not have the cognitive ability to serve the remainder of his term," Mace wrote on social media.
They also quickly turned their attention to Harris as Biden's potential successor, criticizing her record on the border, and accusing her of covering up Biden's "mental decline."
"As second in command and a completely inept border czar, Harris has been a gleeful accomplice — not only in the destruction of American sovereignty, security, and prosperity, but also in the largest political coverup in U.S. history. She has known for as long as anyone of [Biden's] incapacity to serve," Johnson wrote.
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