Since President Biden announced that he would end his presidential re-election campaign, reactions of sympathy and support have begun pouring out from LGBTQ+ activists, Democratic leaders, and international figures.
Boosting Trump
An assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump earlier this month significantly boosted his popularity among his supporters and strengthened his position as the GOP nominee.
Stepping Out of the Race
Trump’s popularity increased so much that it seemed like his presidential win was almost a certainty, but in the end, President Biden decided to step out of the race in the face of increasing pressure from Democratic lawmakers and donors.
Biden’s Greatest Honor
In his statement, Biden stated, “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president… I believe it is in the best interests of my party and the country for me to stand down.”
Biden’s Endorsement
After announcing he would not be seeking re-election, President Biden endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Reactions From the People
Reactions to Joe Biden’s decision from activists, politicians, and world leaders have been mostly supportive, but the way the decision has been supported may say more about his initial decision to run for re-election in the first place.
An Interesting Combination
The reactions have taken on an interesting combination that says both, “Biden was an amazing President” and “We are so happy he’s not running again.”
Comparing to Greats
Rep. Ritchie Torres, who made history as the first Afro-Latino LGBTQ+ person elected to Congress, commended Biden’s decision to step aside and likened his legacy to that of FDR and LBJ.
An Act of Strength
Torres said, “President Biden’s decision to exit the stage is not an act of weakness but an act of strength—an affirmation that he has had a level of achievement in one term that most two-term Presidents would envy and few could emulate.”
Equality PAC Statement
Torres and Rep. Mark Takano, as cochairs of Equality PAC, praised Biden’s pro-LGBTQ+ presidency and emphasized the high stakes for LGBTQ+ Americans in the upcoming election.
Remembered for Generations
The co-chairs wrote, “President Biden’s service to the LGBTQ community is one that will be remembered for generations to come and we are incredibly grateful for the work his administration has done on behalf of LGBTQ Americans.”
International Reactions
Leaders from Europe also praised Biden’s leadership, particularly his efforts to support NATO and Ukraine throughout his Presidency.
Remaining Grateful
“Europeans should always remain grateful for what Joe Biden has done with and for Europe,” said ex-German ambassador to the US, Wolfgang Ischinger.
UK’s Response
UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer said they respected Biden’s decision and looked forward to continued cooperation for the remainder of Biden’s time in office.
More to Do
“I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency,” Starmer posted on X.
National LGBTQ Task Force’s Reaction
Kierra Johnson of the National LGBTQ Task Force expressed hope and excitement for Harris’s potential presidency and called for the LGBTQ+ community to remain vigilant in their political advocacy.
A Critical Moment for Democracy
Johnson said, “At this critical moment for our democracy and our freedoms, we have both hope and excitement for Vice President Kamala Harris and what she can do for our country.”
Human Rights Campaign Reaction
Kelley Robinson of the Human Rights Campaign highlighted the Biden-Harris administration’s achievements in LGBTQ+ equality, including the Respect for Marriage Act and protections for transgender individuals.
The Needs of America
“Today’s announcement reflects his legacy and what President Biden has done his entire career: put the needs of Americans and his country above his own,” said Robinson.
Chaos Under Trump
Robinson went on to say, “We owe the Biden-Harris team a debt of gratitude for leading the country out of a state of chaos and constant crisis under former President Trump.”
21 Beliefs About the Bible That Are Actually False
The Bible is one of the most discussed and debated books in history, yet many common beliefs about it are more myth than fact. How many of these misconceptions have you heard before? 21 Beliefs About the Bible That Are Actually False
21 Subtle Racisms That Are Commonplace in America
Racism in America isn’t always overt; it often hides in plain sight through subtle actions and attitudes. How many of these subtle racisms have you noticed around you? 21 Subtle Racisms That Are Commonplace in America
Only Legal in America: 21 Things You CAN’T Do in the Rest of the World
The U.S. dances to its own beat, especially when it comes to laws that make the rest of the world do a double-take. Here’s a lineup of things that scream “Only in America,” sticking strictly to what’s written in the law books. Ready for a tour through the American legal landscape that’ll leave you wondering if freedom might just be a bit too free? Only Legal in America: 21 Things You CAN’T Do in the Rest of the World
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Crush Rush.
