Various Democrats across Kentucky, including Governor Beshear, have issued statements about President Biden’s decision to end his campaign for a second term.
Governor Beshear
President Biden will be remembered as a consequential president. Along with Vice President Harris, he led us through the aftermath of the January 6th attack on our Capitol and steadily steered us out of a global pandemic. He showed up for Kentucky after devastating tornadoes and historic flooding, delivering immediate federal aid that is helping to rebuild our communities. His leadership provided infrastructure investments that are bringing clean drinking water and high speed internet to parts of Kentucky that for far too long had been overlooked and underserved. President Biden came through on the Brent Spence Companion Bridge Project, getting bipartisan funding for a project that had been stalled for years and is a major thoroughfare for national commerce.
While his decision today could not have been easy, it is in the best interest of our country, and our party. I want to thank him for his leadership, kindness, and for a successful presidency that got big, important things done.
Now it is time for our nation to come together. We need to dial down the anger, rancor and noise. We have an opportunity to remember that we are taught to treat our neighbor as yourself – and that we are all each other’s neighbor.
Former Congressman John Yarmuth
Kentucky Democratic Party
Today, KDP Chair Colmon Elridge released the following statement on President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside as the 2024 Democratic nominee for president.
“For more than five decades, Joe Biden has put the needs of our country first. His presidency forever changed the trajectory of this nation and left an indelible mark on generations to come, helping families far and wide better realize the American Dream.
“It was Joe Biden who led our country through the COVID-19 pandemic. It was Joe Biden who tackled runaway prescription drug prices and capped the cost of insulin for our seniors. It was Joe Biden who defied the naysayers to deliver historic investments in Kentucky’s infrastructure, making the decades-long-promised Brent Spence Bridge project a reality, and helping more Kentuckians access clean drinking water. It was Joe Biden who fought for fundamental reproductive freedoms after they were ruthlessly ripped from women and girls following the fall of Roe.
“And when Eastern Kentuckians were devastated by once-in-a-century-flooding, it was Joe Biden who showed up to not only ensure the weight of the federal government was on hand to support recovery efforts, but to — as he always has — offer compassion.
“President Biden did more than just show up — he got the job done. While Donald Trump and his extremist friends may claim otherwise, one thing is certain: America is a better place because Joe Biden met the moment and never lost sight of who he served. This is a man who served as vice president to our nation's first Black president, defending him against unprecedented attacks, and who, as the Democratic nominee just four years ago, selected Kamala Harris to both break the glass ceiling and color barrier of the vice presidency.
“While passing the torch may not be easy, we respect that at times it is necessary. We thank President Biden for the many years of service he devoted to helping our nation become a better version of itself, and for his admirable decision to pave the way for a new generation of Democratic leaders.”
Kentucky House Democratic Caucus
President Biden has served this nation with distinction, building a legacy as senator, vice president and president that will have a positive and lasting impact for generations. We commend him for his dedication to always put our country first, a selfless value that undoubtedly drove today’s decision. His administration has overseen strong economic growth, a return of respect on the world stage, and a commitment to building an America that seeks to unite rather than divide. Our presidential nominee may change, but furthering those goals never will.” – Kentucky House Democratic Caucus Leaders Derrick Graham, Cherlynn Stevenson and Rachel Roberts
Mike Ward, former congressman
Ward, a Louisville Democrat, said Biden’s withdrawal from the election “must have been the hardest decision of his life.”
“I’m proud of him being a class act from start to finish,” he said.
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