Barack Obama reacted with an address in "X" of Biden's decision to withdraw from the presidential race.
Joe Biden is one of America's most significant presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner of mine. Today we were also reminded - again - that he is a patriot of the highest order, Obama wrote.
The address further reads:
Sixteen years ago, when I began my search for Vice President, I knew of Joe's distinguished career in the public sphere. But what I admired even more was his character - his deep empathy and hard-won resilience, his fundamental integrity and belief that everyone matters.
Since taking office, President Biden has displayed this character time and time again. He helped end the pandemic, created millions of jobs, lowered the cost of prescription drugs, passed the first major legislation to regulate the gun trade in 30 years, made the largest investment in history to address climate change, and fights to guarantee the rights of workers to organize for fair pay and benefits. Internationally, he restored America's authority in the world, revived NATO, and mobilized the world to confront Russian aggression in Ukraine.
What's more, President Biden has moved us away from the four years of chaos, lies and division that characterized Donald Trump's tenure. Through his policies and his example, Joe reminded us of who we are at our best - a country committed to old-fashioned values like trust and honesty, kindness and hard work, a country that believes in democracy, the rule of law and accountability, a country that emphasizes , that everyone, regardless of who they are, has the right to vote and deserves a chance for a better life.
This exceptional experience gave President Biden the full right to run for re-election and finish the job he started. Joe understands better than anyone the stakes of this election — how everything he's fought for his entire life and everything the Democratic Party stands for will be at risk if we allow Donald Trump to return to the White House house and give Republicans control of Congress.
I also know that Joe never gave up the fight. For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he must pass the torch to a new candidate is surely one of the most difficult moments of his life. But I know he wouldn't have made that decision if he didn't believe it was right for America. It's a testament to Joe Biden's love of country — and a historic example of a true public servant who once again puts the interests of the American people above his own that future generations of leaders would do well to follow.
We will be navigating uncharted waters in the coming days. But I have the utmost confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process that will produce an outstanding candidate. I believe Joe Biden's vision of a generous, prosperous and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on display at the Democratic convention in August. And I expect that each of us is ready to carry that message of hope and progress through the November 5 election and beyond.
For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so skillfully and courageously in these dangerous times - and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality on which this country.