After facing significant pressure from fellow Democrats, President Joe Biden announced today he will not seek reelection and has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
Harris made history in 2020 as the first woman, and the first person of South Asian and Black heritage, to become the Vice President of the United States. If she wins against former President Donald Trump in the upcoming November elections, she will shatter the glass ceiling to become the first woman President of the United States.
Soon after President Biden’s announcement that he was stepping down, VP Harris has raised $49.6 million for her presidential campaign.
President Biden said “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made,” adding “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.”
Indian-American lawmakers endorse VP Harris
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Illinois) said “President Biden’s policy achievements have already established his place as one of the most consequential presidents in American history,” adding President Biden through his decision has shown the “true and selfless nature of a life” dedicated to prioritizing the country and his fellow Americans.
Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-Michigan) commended President Biden for his accomplishments during his term. He noted President Biden’s achievements in combating climate change, passing the first piece of gun safety legislation in three decades, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, and providing critical care for veterans.
“Thank you Mr. President for your service to our nation. You have been the most effective President in American history. We owe you a debt of gratitude. Now is the time to come together behind Vice President Kamala Harris and defeat Donald Trump,” he said. “I have no doubt that President Biden would have beat Donald Trump, but I respect his decision and fully support and echo his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. She would be a fantastic nominee and would be an amazing President. I look forward to another 4 years of a Democratic presidency that puts people first.”
Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) said “I am proud to endorse Harris as our nominee. Her trailblazing candidacy as the first African American woman and first Asian American will be a jolt of energy in our party. Our party can now run on a message of hope and a vision for the future.”
Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) noted President Biden has been the “most progressive and effective President on domestic and economic policy” in her lifetime in my lifetime. She praised his historic appointments, including the first Black woman Supreme Court Justice and Kamala Harris as Vice President.
Dr. Ami Bera (D-CA), he remarked President Biden’s legacy remains secure. He noted that he was one of the early supporters to endorse President Biden in 2019, and that he worked hard to get him elected. According to him, President Biden has been “a phenomenal and consequential President.”
“I know the president to be a man of great character who always will put the interests of our great nation first–– and that is exactly what I see him doing today. “The stakes of this election cannot be overstated. It is time for the Democratic Party to rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris and build on President Biden’s historic legacy,” said Dr. Bera. “As someone who’s known and served with Vice President Kamala Harris, I wholeheartedly endorse her to be our party’s nominee and look forward to electing the first woman of African and Indian-American descent to the presidency this November.”
Indian American (IA) Impact, an organization supporting Indian-American and South Asian political candidates has also endorsed Vice President Harris.
Indian American Impact Fund’s Executive Director, Chintan Patel, in a statement said “We extend our deepest gratitude to President Biden for his leadership and service. His presidency has been nothing short of transformational in uplifting the priorities of South Asian Americans and significantly improving the lives of millions of Americans,” adding “We join him in throwing our unequivocal support behind Kamala Harris for President. A history-making vice president, Harris is a tested and proven leader who has consistently demonstrated a strong, unwavering commitment to our community’s values.”
