CT Leaders React To Biden Dropping Out Of 2024 Presidential Race

CONNECTICUT — On Sunday, President Joseph Biden announced he will not seek reelection at the Democratic Party’s upcoming convention, and he endorsed vice President Kamala Harris to be the party’s nominee.

Here is a reaction from top Democrats and Republicans in Connecticut to the Biden news:

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-CT

“Joe Biden is one of the greatest, most consequential presidents in American history. He was the compassionate, courageous leader our country desperately needed during a time of crisis. Over the last four years, he has overseen the passage of immensely impactful laws that will benefit generations of Americans. Joe is a smart, strategic fighter who always—always—looks out for the little guy. I am incredibly grateful for his lifetime of service & his unwavering, steadfast commitment to the future of our nation.”

Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont

“I was one of the earliest supporters of Joe Biden almost four years ago. Under his leadership, our economy is stronger, our long neglected infrastructure is being rebuilt, more people are working than ever before, and millions more have access to healthcare — all of which makes an enormous difference here in Connecticut. I just returned from a trade mission to Germany and I was reminded every day how important American leadership is around the world. The president has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, and I believe she will be the front runner when our convention meets next month.”

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)

“Joe Biden will go down in history as one of the most effective, consequential presidents in our nation’s history. He led us out of a pandemic and rebuilt our economy, creating more jobs than any first term president. He restored our place on the world stage, heroically leading the global response to Russia’s war in Ukraine and strengthening NATO. He helped pass legislation to transform our infrastructure, cut prescription drug prices, lower energy costs, and tackle climate change. And of course, because of Joe Biden, we passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first gun safety legislation in 30 years.

“Joe Biden has always put his country first. He knows the risk Donald Trump poses to our democracy, mandating that our number one priority must be defeating Trump this fall. I know this decision was agonizing for him, but once again, his love of country shines through. A nation turns its grateful eyes to Joe Biden for his world changing service and his constant selflessness.”

CT Republican Party

“The Democratic Party is in shambles, and they have no plan to help the average American in Connecticut. We’ve seen the disastrous consequences of their policies over the past four years: record inflation, soaring prices for every day necessities, unprecedented border crossings, and a weakened status on the international stage.

“Furthermore, the strong arming to force President Biden to step down underscores a disturbing lack of democratic process within the Democrat Party. Instead of allowing a transparent and open primary process, it appears that the Democrat Party is maneuvering behind the scenes to select a candidate that aligns with the agenda of politicians rather than one that reflects the will of the people. In short, Democrat leaders and the Democrat Party, for the first time in American history, have sought to depose a sitting United States President in attempt to protect their own power and position – all at the expense of America and Americans.

“It’s clear after last week’s Republican convention, our country is united in an America first message! Americans want change, they want leaders who reflect their values, their priorities, their hopes and dreams for America. Democrat leaders simply want power.

“America is at a crossroads and the Republican ticket of President Donald J. Trump and Senator J.D. Vance are the leaders America needs to put us back on track, protect our country, make life affordable again and to Make America Great Again.

“Thanks to Joe Biden for his decades of public service and we wish him happiness and joy in his forced retirement.

CT Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding

“Thank you, President Biden, for your decades of service to our country and for making the right decision. While we may disagree on policies, anyone who has served our country in this capacity is deserving of our thanks. While the Democratic Party now will determine who will headline their national ticket, Republicans remain laser-focused on issues that truly matter to families here in Connecticut: making life more affordable, making our streets safer, closing the gulf between richer and poorer school districts, creating more and better jobs for working families, and returning common sense to Hartford.

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03)

“President Biden has made a courageous decision for the good of the country. President Biden’s administration is the most successful Democratic administration since that of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. President Biden took office in a time of great uncertainty and oversaw a historic recovery from a global pandemic, leading our country back from the brink of disaster and making government work for the people once more. I was proudest to work with President Biden on expanding the Child Tax Credit, enhancing the credit by increasing its value and making it monthly. We provided the largest middle class tax cut in a generation and unprecedented economic security, lifted millions of children out of poverty, and, together we will make it permanent in 2025.

“From child care, public education, and job training programs to helping people access affordable housing, we invested in the programs that hardworking Americans depend on. President Biden marshalled resources to improve our crumbling infrastructure under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and ensured that the United States would maintain its competitive edge against our adversaries like China by enacting the CHIPS and Science Act, bolstering American manufacturing and creating thousands of jobs. He cancelled student debt for millions of borrowers, championed child care and public education, passed bipartisan gun control reform legislation, and strongly defended workers’ rights to organize. I was proud to help him pass the Inflation Reduction Act which empowered Medicare to negotiate the cost of prescription drugs for seniors, capped insulin prices at no more than $35, and included unprecedented investments to address the existential threat of climate change.

“President Biden is a champion of the middle class. He spent a lifetime fighting for everyday Americans. He leaves a rich legacy that Democrats will defend in this upcoming election.

“I join President Biden in saying we should come together to support Vice President Kamala Harris.”

U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-5

“History will remember Joe Biden for his selfless patriotism and leadership. President Biden worked to pass more impactful legislation than any other president in our lifetime. Under his leadership, we have recovered from the pandemic, stabilized our relations abroad, and driven down unemployment to historic lows. I am grateful to President Biden for his decades of service to this country and the path he has paved to a brighter future for all.

“With that there is no one better to continue Joe Biden’s legacy than Vice President Harris. I have been a longtime supporter and know she will continue to move us forward and protect our country from Donald Trump and the Project 2025 agenda. Now, it is time to focus on the work of electing Kamala Harris as the next President and winning back the House so we can continue to deliver for the American people.”

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2

“In 3+ years, @POTUS broke DC’s gridlock to deliver real help for toxin exposed veterans, seniors’ health care, and a renaissance of America’s industrial base & infrastructure. His global leadership, creating AUKUS, has strengthened the world’s democracies for decades to come,” he wrote on X.

CT Attorney General William Tong

“I remember watching Senator Biden in an interview on 60 Minutes during the 1988 campaign. I was 15 years old. I remember being in awe of his strength, his confidence, and even his swagger – and that’s when I started to think I want to be like Joe,” said Attorney General Tong. “Now more than 35 years later, I know that all of us could stand to be lot more like Joe – strong, confident, and dedicated to the peace, prosperity, and security of our fellow Americans. I am grateful for his leadership of our country, and as Attorney General, for his partnership in all that we have done together during his incredible Presidency. When I stood with him in the White House as he signed the law to protect Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders from hate and discrimination, he demonstrated that he is a President for all of us. And that is who he will always be.”