Some Democratic candidates give mixed support to Harris as Biden’s replacement

President Joe Biden takes the stage in Las Vegas, Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Democrats have largely praised President Biden’s decades-long career of public service after he announced his withdrawal from the race, but most rising Democratic stars have stopped short of outright endorsing Vice President Harris as the next candidate.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), who has been floated as a potential running mate for Harris, called Biden “a great public servant who knows better than anyone what it takes to defeat Donald Trump” and touted his administration’s accomplishments and distinguished political career.

Whitmer, who in the past has rejected suggestions that she would join the party ticket if Biden were to step down, said she would do everything she could to elect Democrats and stop former President Trump, but stopped short of endorsing Harris as Biden did.

“My job in this election will remain the same: to do everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump, a convicted felon whose agenda of raising costs for families, banning abortion nationwide and abusing the power of the White House to settle his own scores is completely wrong for Michigan,” said Whitmer, a campaign spokeswoman.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D), another popular governor frequently mentioned as a possibility for the ticket, responded by praising Biden’s accomplishments and calling on the country to unite.

“President Biden will be remembered as a significant president. Alongside Vice President Harris, he led us through the aftermath of the January 6 attack on our Capitol and relentlessly navigated our way out of a global pandemic,” Beshear wrote in a statement.

“While his decision today may not have been easy, it is in the best interest of our country and our party. I want to thank him for his leadership, his kindness, and for a successful presidency that has accomplished great and important things,” he added. “Now is the time for our nation to come together. We must silence the anger, the resentment, and the noise. We have an opportunity to remember that we are taught to treat our neighbors as ourselves – and that we are all each other’s neighbors.”

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D), whose leadership has become evident in recent days, stopped short of endorsing any candidate and hailed Biden as “a patriot who served our country honorably in the Senate, as vice president, and as one of the most consequential presidents in modern history.”

“President Biden has done an incredible job moving our country forward, defending our democracy, and protecting true freedom,” Shapiro continued. “I am proud to work alongside him and grateful for his leadership and unwavering commitment to Pennsylvania, the commonwealth that raised him.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) praised Biden’s decision, saying: “President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who fought hard for working people and delivered amazing results for all Americans. He will go down in history as one of the most influential and selfless presidents.”

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (D), who ran against Biden in the 2020 primary before becoming a Cabinet member, responded to the news Sunday, saying, “Joe Biden has earned his place among the best and most important presidents in American history. I am very proud to serve under his leadership and grateful for his unwavering determination to do what is best for our country.”

Biden announced Sunday that he would not run for president again, ending a fierce campaign amid growing pressure from within his own party. His announcement marks the end of a decades-long career in public service.

Former White House chief of staff and close Biden confidant Ron Klain lashed out at donors and elected officials seeking to impeach Biden, before encouraging the party to rally behind Harris’ candidacy.

“Now that donors and elected officials have eliminated the only candidate who has ever beaten Trump, it’s time to end the political fantasy games and unite behind the only veteran of a national campaign – our remarkable Vice President, @KamalaHarris!! Let’s get real and win in November!” he wrote on the social platform X.