Obama praises Biden for dropping out but doesn’t endorse Harris, while Clintons back her

Former President Barack Obama praised President Biden for his presidency and for his decision Sunday to quit his reelection bid.

Mr. Obama, who remains one of the most influential figures in the Democratic Party, did not offer up an endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris to take over the Democratic presidential ticket. But former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, the party’s 2016 nominee, did endorse Ms. Harris for president on Sunday.

“Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me,” Mr. Obama said Sunday in a lengthy statement. “Today, we’ve also been reminded — again — that he’s a patriot of the highest order.”

As calls grew from Democrats last week for Mr. Biden to bow out, Mr. Obama let it be known that he believed Mr. Biden should seriously reevaluate his candidacy. The move angered many officials in the Biden camp who believed Mr. Obama was dealing a fatal blow to the president’s campaign. 

“I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight,” Mr. Obama said. “For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life. But I know he wouldn’t make this decision unless he believed it was right for America.”

He said it’s “a testament to Joe Biden’s love of country — and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow.”

Mr. Obama, who had picked Mr. Biden in 2008 to serve as his vice president, said he’s confident that “the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges,” but did not mention Ms. Harris, whom Mr. Biden endorsed to take over his spot on the ballot.

“I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August. And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond,” he said.

The Clintons also praised Mr. Biden Sunday for his “extraordinary career of service,” and said they would be backing Ms. Harris as the nominee.

“We join millions of Americans in thanking President 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,” the Clintons said. “We are honored to join the president in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can do to support her.”

They went on to mention how “worried for our country” they are by the possibility of a second term for former President Donald Trump, the GOP nominee.

“Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we’ve got to elect her,” they said. “America’s future depends on it.”

Both Mr. Obama and Mr. Clinton had been an active member in Mr. Biden’s reelection campaign, and were often seen at Biden fundraisers.

Mr. Biden announced he was dropping out of the race Sunday afternoon in a letter posted to X. Shortly after, another post from him endorsed Ms. Harris to take over his spot on the ballot.

Mr. Trump called him the “worst president” and said Ms. Harris will be easier to beat in the election if chosen as the Democratic nominee.