Congressional Democrats praised President Biden on Sunday for his difficult decision to drop out of the presidential race and for his accomplishments in his decades of public service.
Their sentiments of admiration and appreciation came after many lawmakers in the party pushed publicly and privately for Mr. Biden to step aside as the party’s presumptive presidential nominee.
Before Mr. Biden announced Sunday afternoon in a letter posted on X that he would “stand down” and focus on finishing out his term, 40 congressional Democrats had publicly called on him to drop out. They were concerned that he would not defeat former President Donald Trump in November and that he would drag down other Democratic candidates with him.
One of those Democrats, Rep. Marc Veasey, said on X that Mr. Biden “deserves an enormous amount of credit for his service to the American people, and I have been incredibly proud to work alongside him.”
“Thank you, President Biden, for once again putting our great nation above all else,” the Texas Democrat said.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who reportedly had been working behind the scenes to pressure Mr. Biden to exit the race, called the president “a patriotic American who has always put our country first.”
“His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history,” the California Democrat said in a statement.
Sen. Michael Bennet, a Colorado Democrat who had said he did not think Mr. Biden could win in November, put out a statement saying Democrats “owe President Biden a debt of gratitude that we may never be able to repay.”
“We may not know what comes next, but by passing the torch to a new standard bearer, President Biden has again given us the chance to beat Donald Trump and give our children the future they deserve,” he said.
Senate Majority Charles E. Schumer, who had reportedly urged Mr. Biden in a private meeting last weekend to reconsider his candidacy, issued a statement Sunday calling him a “great president” and “truly amazing human being.”
“His decision of course was not easy, but he once again put his country, his party, and our future first,” the New York Democrat said. “Joe, today shows you are a true patriot and great American.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who was also reported to have privately suggested Mr. Biden end his campaign, called him “one of the most accomplished and consequential leaders in American history.”
“In less than one term, he rescued the nation from a once-in-a-century pandemic, brought the economy roaring back from the brink of recession, enacted consequential legislation for everyday Americans and saved our democracy by defeating the Insurrectionist-in-Chief,” the New York Democrat said in a statement. “America is a better place today because President Joe Biden has led us with intellect, grace and dignity. We are forever grateful.”
Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin said “America will be forever grateful for all he has given to the country.”
“Now the Democratic Party must unite behind a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump and keep America moving in the right direction,” the Illinois Democrat said in a statement. “I will do everything in my power to help that effort.”
House Democrats also offered remarks of appreciation.
“President Joe Biden is a patriot. He selflessly put personal ambition aside to do what he thinks is best for our country,” Rep. Brendan Boyle, Pennsylvania Democrat, posted on X. “Today, and every day, both in dark passages and bright days, I am always proud to be one of Joe Biden’s biggest supporters.”
Many Democrats used their public statements to praise what Mr. Biden has accomplished.
“Pres Biden will go down as one of the most consequential one-term presidents in US history,” Rep. Darren Soto, Florida Democrat, wrote on X. “He led us out of the pandemic, & helped us rebuild infrastructure, boost manufacturing, lower healthcare costs, expand vets’ benefits & combat climate change.”
Under Mr. Biden’s leadership, Democrats passed legislation to “rescue the economy” during the pandemic, rebuild aging infrastructure, revitalize domestic manufacturing, lower healthcare costs, combat climate change and expand U.S. alliances around the globe, Rep. Kathy Manning, North Carolina Democrat, said in a statement.
“His legacy is secure, and we Democrats must keep fighting to protect all the progress we’ve made,” she said.
Congressional Republicans were far more scathing in their reaction, with several saying if Mr. Biden is not capable of running for president, he should also resign his office.
“If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, Louisiana Republican, said in a statement. “He must resign the office immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough.”
Mr. Johnson said Democrats, “the self-proclaimed ‘party of democracy’ has proven exactly the opposite,” in forcing Mr. Biden out and invalidating the votes of more than 14 million Americans who selected Mr. Biden to be the Democratic nominee.
“The party’s prospects are no better now with Vice President Kamala Harris, who co-owns the disastrous policy failures of the Biden Administration,” he said. “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 his incapacity to serve.”
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said Democrats and the media have for years “maligned Americans who questioned the president’s fitness based on what they saw with their own eyes as conspiracy theorists.”
“Every single one of these people — especially Vice President Harris — who participated in this cover up must answer for their involvement,” the Louisiana Republican said.
Several Republicans said the concerns about Mr. Biden’s age and mental capacity that are driving him out of the presidential race should force him to immediately resign from office.
“If Joe Biden isn’t fit enough to serve as a candidate after the primary, he isn’t fit to serve as president now,” said Sen. Eric Schmitt, Missouri Republican.
• Lindsey McPherson can be reached at lmcpherson@washingtontimes.com.
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