President Joe Biden won’t seek re-election. Here’s how Clyburn, SC officials reacted
President Joe Biden on Sunday afternoon issued a letter announcing he would not seek re-election this fall. Shortly after that announcement, powerful U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn was among the host of Palmetto State officials reacting to the news, and echoed Biden in offering his support for Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Party’s nominee.
Biden, who had been facing calls from some Democratic circles to exit the race since a widely-panned debate performance in June, said in a letter shared to social media Sunday that it has been the “greatest honor” of his life to serve as president the last three-and-a-half years, but that he would not run for the office again.
“I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duty as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden said.
A short time later, Biden shared that he is endorsing Harris for the nomination.
“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President,” Biden said on X. “And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
Just moments after Biden, 81, announced he was dropping out of the race, prominent Democrats and other officials in South Carolina began weighing in.
Clyburn weighs in
Clyburn, long a Biden ally, said in a Sunday afternoon statement that he “could think of no one with the integrity and no one more committed to the fundamental principles that form the foundation of our great country than (Biden).” Clyburn added that Biden has “pursued an agenda that addresses the inequities in our healthcare system, the unaffordability of higher education, our outdated roads and bridges, the gun violence epidemic, access to affordable high-speed broadband, and so much more.”
Clyburn, one of the highest ranking members in the House of Representatives, also issued his support for Harris to get the Democratic nomination.
“I echo the good judgment (Biden) demonstrated in selecting Vice President Harris to lead the nation alongside him, and I am proud to follow his lead in support of her candidacy to succeed him as the Democratic Party’s 2024 nominee for President,” Clyburn said.
Democrats ready to support Harris
Bakari Sellers, a Columbia attorney, CNN contributor, author and former Democratic state representative, was quick to note Harris has his support for the nomination.
“Democrats should be embarrassed by the way President Biden was treated by his own colleagues the last month,” Sellers shared on X. “He is one of the most transformative Presidents of a generation. That fight is over. I dare not wage into another. Kamala Harris is battle tested and battle ready. I look forward to working damn hard to make her the next PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.”
SC Rep. Kambrell Garvin, a Columbia Democrat, thanked Biden for his work in Washington.
“Thank you for your service, President Biden,” Garvin tweeted. “America is better because of your leadership.”
Later, responding to Biden’s endorsement of Harris, Garvin tweeted “Let’s go!” and the fire emoji.
SC Democratic Party chair to Biden: ‘Thank you’
South Carolina Democratic Party Chairwoman Christale Spain issued a statement on Biden’s decision on Sunday afternoon.
“President Biden holds a special place in the hearts of South Carolina Democrats,” Spain said. “There are only two words to be said - Thank you. Thank you to the President for his extraordinary leadership and selfless sacrifice for our nation. President Biden’s leadership brought our country back from the brink after the pandemic and the worst economic crisis in 80 years. South Carolina Democrats will always be proud we played a small part in President Biden’s nomination in 2020.
“The president’s decision today exemplifies his dedication and love for our country.”
Biden struggled in the early presidential preference primaries in 2020. However, South Carolina served as a firewall for the former longtime U.S. senator and vice president. With a key endorsement from Clyburn, Biden dominated the 2020 Democratic primary in the Palmetto State, and was off to the races after that.
He demonstratively won this year’s Democratic primary in SC, picking up more than 96% of the vote against opponents such as Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson.
National Democratic Party chair: ‘Enormous debt of gratitude’ owed to Biden
National Democratic Party Chairman Jaime Harrison, who hails from South Carolina, said on X Sunday that the American people “owe an enormous debt of gratitude” to Biden.
Harrison also said it is time for Democrats to unite after weeks of debate on whether Biden would continue.
“Democrats are prepared and united in our resolve to win in November,” Harrison tweeted. “As we move forward to formally select our Party’s nominee, our values as Democrats remain the same – lowering costs, restoring freedom, protecting the rights of all people, and saving our democracy from the threat of dictatorship. We have and will continue to make this case to the American people.”
SC Republicans react
Meanwhile, reactions also began rolling from across the aisle on Sunday afternoon, with South Carolina Republicans also taking in the news that Biden wouldn’t run again.
“The Democrats tried to kick President Trump off the ballot in multiple states, then they turned the judicial system into a pawn of political warfare, and now they’re making Joe Biden tap out in hopes it will fix their problems,” S.C, Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick said in a statement. “I recommend they simply admit the truth: The American people don’t support their ideas or their record. No change of players can fix that for them, and Donald J. Trump will be the 47th President of the United States of America.”
Gavin Smith is a former staffer under Republican President Donald Trump and currently a Lexington Town Councilman. On social media Sunday, he keyed on the idea that Biden was forced out of the race by forces in the Democratic party.
“During the 2024 Primaries, millions of Americans voted for @JoeBiden. They didn’t vote for the donors, Pelosi, Schumer, or others,” Smith tweeted. “Now that Dem elites have forced Biden out and disenfranchised the votes of millions, I never want to hear them talk about ‘saving democracy’ again.”
SC Democrats praise, thank Biden
SC House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford, a Columbia Democrat, said Biden’s decision to not seek re-election was a “country first” move.
“President Biden is putting our country first, as he has throughout his career,” Rutherford said on X. “Now let’s come together to keep Donald Trump out of the White House.”
Meanwhile, former S.C. state Sen. Marlon Kimpson, a Charleston Democrat, praised Biden for what Kimpson sees as an unselfish move to bow out of the race.
“Thank you for your service to our country @POTUS,” Kimpson shared on X Sunday. “Once again, you’ve proven to be unselfish and focused on healing and unity. I will never forget the weak kneed Democrats who threw you under bus rather than focus on the convict. See you Chicago my friend. I have a vote.”
Later Sunday, Kimpson shared a message on X expressing his support for Harris.
Democratic SC Rep. Jermaine Johnson said on social media that he expects the history books will look kindly upon Biden.
“President @JoeBiden history will smile upon you,” Johnson shared on X. “Thank you for your service to the country that we all love so much. The Dems that called on his to exit so loudly I fully expect y’all to lead the charge in ensuring whoever the nominee is has all the resources needed.”
The Democratic National Convention is set for August in Chicago.
Democratic state Sen. Tameika Isaac Devine, a former two-decade Columbia city councilwoman, expressed gratefulness for Biden’s time in office.
“Thank you Mr. President for your leadership. Your accomplishments in the last (3.5) years have made this country stronger and better,” Devine shared on X Sunday. “You are a wonderful President and we are grateful for all you have done and will still do as our President. Your story is not over!”
Just days ago, Devine was among 1,400 prominent Black women who signed a letter in support of Biden’s candidacy.
This story was originally published July 21, 2024 at 2:34 PM.
