WASHINGTON: World leaders lined up to pay tribute to Joe Biden after he announced on Sunday he was dropping out of the US presidential race. Biden notified the public of his decision in a letter, a stunning move that upends the 2024 race for the White House. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's new nominee.
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Biden for taking "bold steps" in supporting his country, praising the US president's "tough but strong decision" to end his reelection bid.
"He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, assisted us in preventing (Russian President Vladimir) Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war," he said.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he respected Biden's decision. "I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people," said Starmer.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also paid tribute to "my friend". "Joe Biden has achieved a lot: for his country, for Europe, for the world," he said. "His decision not to run again deserves respect."
Japan's premier said he recognised that Biden's announcement is one "he feels is the best political decision he can make". Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked Biden "for your leadership and ongoing service.
Former president Barack Obama, with whom Biden served two terms as vice president, praised his record in office.
"Internationally, he restored America's standing in the world, revitalised Nato, and mobilised the world to stand up against Russian aggression in Ukraine," he said. While he had every right to run for reelection, Biden's decision to drop out of the race was testament to his "love of country", Obama added.
The stunning move throws Democrats into fresh turmoil ahead of the November 5 election. But it could also reenergize the demoralized party, with Harris swiftly confirming her goal to become America's first woman president and to "defeat Donald Trump."
Biden's decision came after a period of enforced isolation, with only a few family members and aides around him to consult at his Rehoboth Beach home, as he nursed a Covid infection. First Lady Jill Biden reacted by simply reposting his statement, along with two hearts.
Biden spent more than three weeks resisting calls to step down following the shock of the June 27 debate, during which he often lost his train of thought and stood with mouth agape. — AFP
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