Democratic leaders across the Western Suburbs, like their counterparts across the country, have come out en masse in support of President Joseph Biden’s extraordinary decision to withdraw as the Democratic candidate for president with many ready to enthusiastically pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Praise came from elected officials at the state, federal and local levels, who said Biden’s decision was the courageous and right thing to do for the country and for the Democratic party.
“Joe Biden did … what Donald Trump could not. He put his country first before his own ambition.,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon of Oak Park. “Voters will have a clear choice in 2024 – Donald Trump, who is only concerned about himself, or a candidate for president who believes in something bigger.”
He added, “His presidency will go down in American history as one of our most consequential. His legacy of service to our nation, and specifically to the people of Delaware, is secure. His leadership, faith, and bravery in this moment will live in the memories of the American people for all time because the choice before the American people is now set.”
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García, whose district includes Brookfield and North Riverside, said, “President Biden is putting the country over his political career and that is the true definition of a leader. His efforts will be remembered by a grateful nation.”
Rep. Danny K. Davis of the 7th District praised Biden in a statement for his “unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy, justice, and equity.”
He then added his resounding support for Harris, saying: “Vice President Harris has proven herself to be a dynamic and visionary leader, dedicated to upholding the values we cherish. Her tenure as Vice President has been marked by her tenacity, intellect, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality. She has been a steadfast advocate for the underserved and a powerful voice for those often overlooked … As the first woman, the first African American, and the first Asian American to hold the office of Vice President, she has already broken countless barriers and inspired millions. I have every confidence that she will continue to lead with integrity, vision, and courage.”
State Rep. La Shawn Ford of the 8th District that includes the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, Oak Park and Forest Park, said in a statement on X that as a pledged delegate to the Democratic National Convention in August for the Biden-Harris campaign, that he wanted to “express my appreciation for President Biden’s steadfast commitment to public service and his legacy of prioritizing the nation over politics. Our country is at a critical juncture, and it’s crucial for us to unite and ensure that our leaders remain dedicated to unity and progress. I believe that the upcoming ticket will uphold these values and lead us to a resounding victory over Donald Trump, reaffirming our commitment to a brighter and more inclusive future for all Americans.”
Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins, also a DNC delegate, said he backs Harris as the next candidate for United States president.
“I always knew that President Biden would do what he thought was in our country’s best interests,” he told Growing Community Media. “So, I support his decision. He’s been a very consequential President. I will support Kamala Harris.”
On X, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch of the 7th District said: “President Biden has put our country first time and time again. His commitment to moving forward even amidst adversity and personal loss embodies who we are as Americans. Today, he has put our country first again.
“I want to thank President Biden for his selfless leadership, and for again putting our country and our democracy ahead of individual ambition. I look forward to working with my colleagues to help move a united Democratic Party forward to victory in November.”
He did not explicitly endorse Vice President Kamala Harris.
Biden, 81, dropped out of the race after three weeks of pressure from donors and top-ranking Democrats who said they believed he could no longer beat former President Donald Trump because of age-related issues.
Biden stood resolute until Sunday, saying that he was the best candidate to defeat Trump and that he had unfinished business in doing so. He also said is intent on finishing out his term in office.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” he said on his X account. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
He also put his full support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
That Biden has stepped aside as the front-running candidate of any party so close to the election had moved the nation into unchartered waters. Former president Lyndon B. Johnson, under pressure about the Vietnam War, stepped down in March 1968.
The message from the DCCC remained optimistic.
“Here in Chicago, our mission remains the same. During the convention, we will have an opportunity to show the country and the world who Democrats are and what we stand for,” said Democratic National Convention Chairperson Minyon Moore.
“Over the past year, we have been building the stage – literally and figuratively – for President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Democrats to tell our story to the American people. The historic progress Democrats achieved under the Biden-Harris Administration will still be central to that story, as will the story of what is at stake in this election.”
Illinois Republicans used the opportunity to take a shot at Democrats.
“Today’s announcement is the culmination of years of lies from the Biden White House and Democrats shaming anyone who questioned the fitness of President Biden,” Kathy Salvi, Illinois Republican Party chairperson said in a statement. “Democrats are divided, torn apart by their own duplicity trying to pass off President Biden’s inability to fulfill his role, while Republicans stand united behind President Trump and an agenda of freedom, prosperity, and safety. Democrats have become the party of self-service while Republicans have become the voice of this nation. We as Illinois Republicans must continue to call attention to JB Pritzker’s tax-and-spend, pro-criminal agenda that drives families away from this state to protect the rest of the nation.”
Reporter Trent Brown contributed to the article.