SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he is withdrawing from the 2024 Presidential race. The decision comes amid growing pressure from many in his party after last month’s debate performance.
In a statement posted to social media, President Biden said in part, quote, “While it has been my intention to seek re-election, i believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.”’
Dan Ahlers, the executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party sees the decision as a selfless act.
“I would hope all of our leaders look to as an example for the future of how we can conduct ourselves and choose people over our own personal wishes and desires,” Ahlers said.
Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the new democratic nominee in the presidential race, and he’s not the only one. Both Bill and Hillary Clinton have endorsed Harris as well as Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota.
However, time will tell what happens between now and the Democratic National Convention on August 19.
“Of course, you know, with the president endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, that’s something that I know our delegates will be looking at and considering very thoughtfully since the President is throwing his support behind her,” Ahlers said. “But we’ll have to wait and see.”
For now, the South Dakota Democratic Party is thanking Biden for all the work he did while in office.
“The 700 million dollars in waste water that came into South Dakota, the billions of dollars that have come in for infrastructure, broadband,” Ahlers said. “All these projects we’re seeing that are happening in the state right now and the economic development are largely in part due to this president.”
To read a statement from Shane Merrill, chair of the South Dakota Democratic Party, click here.
South Dakota’s top Republican politicians have also weighed in on Biden’s decision to leave the race with Governor Kristi Noem and Representative Dusty Johnson saying it was the right decision.
However, Noem, Johnson and Senator John Thune each shared similar sentiments regarding their beliefs that whoever wins the democratic ticket will share Biden’s policies that many Republicans criticize.
If Harris is picked as the Democratic nominee, there is a list of potential VP contenders including California Governor Gavin Newson and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
