LOUISVILLE, Ky. — President Joe Biden has ended his White House reelection bid and Kentucky politicians are now reacting to the news.
Mitch McConnell, who has served 40 years in Congress, didn’t comment on Biden’s political history but focused on his nearly four years in the White House.
“Unfortunately, the Democratic Party has been busy in recent weeks trying to upend the expressed will of the American people in primary elections across the country. Washington Democrats have not proven themselves any more capable than the President of delivering the secure borders, safe streets, and stable prices that working families deserve. They are selling open borders, higher prices, climate radicalism, and soft-on-crime policies, and the American people are not buying,” McConnell said in a statement.
Other Kentucky politicians shared their thoughts regarding Biden and the Democratic party.
“Joe Biden is not the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party - no one is a presidential nominee until formally nominated pursuant to party rules - and thus will not appear on Kentucky ballots. Whomever the Democratic Party ultimately nominates will,” Secretary of State Michael Adams shared on X.
Thank you President Biden for your historic and impactful leadership. You have made our city & country stronger and are showing, once again, selfless public service with your decision. Your legacy for America and our democracy will live on for generations.
Logan Gatti, Louisville Democrat Party chair
Unity above division. Hope above fear. Country above self. These are the ideals of a true leader, and these are the ideals of President Joe Biden. In what was surely one of the most difficult decisions he has ever made, our President did what he believed was in the best interests of our nation.
President Joe Biden is one of the most consequential presidents in our country’s history. He is the first president to walk a picket line with striking union workers, his infrastructure investments in Kentucky for roads, bridges, high speed internet, clean water, and his immediate disaster aid during weather disasters will be felt by Kentuckians for generations.
The President’s decision today shows the type of person he truly is: A man of faith and kindness who cares deeply for all Americans. I look forward to supporting the next Democratic nominee for President, as well as our Democratic candidates for US Congress, the Kentucky General Assembly, and Louisville Metro Council.
Rep. Andy Barr
“Today, Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential race underscores what all Americans have known for some time: His decline has been evident, and the Democratic Party has been concealing the truth. It's clear that if President Biden is unfit to seek re-election, he is equally unfit to continue serving as our Commander in Chief for the balance of his term. The American people deserve and desperately need leadership that is strong, transparent and capable of running the country. It's time for a change that prioritizes the well-being and security of our nation.”
Colmon Elridge, Kentucky Democratic Party chair
“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.”
Congressman Morgan McGarvey
“Today, President Biden once more put his love of country before himself. This decision could not have been easy and he deserves our immense gratitude and profound respect.
“By returning to public service in 2020, he protected America from four more years of extremism, division, and hate under Donald Trump. President Biden brought the country together after January 6th, guided us out of the pandemic, led the nation to record low unemployment and record job growth, made the largest investment in clean energy and climate action in history, and restored American leadership abroad.
“President Biden knows the stakes of this election are simply too high and that the very fabric of our democracy is at risk. Through his actions today, President Biden has cemented his legacy as one of the most honorable, selfless, and effective Presidents in history.
“President Biden made an excellent choice when he selected Kamala Harris as his running mate in 2020. Vice President Harris has been fighting for a stronger, safer, and more inclusive America since day one. I’m proud to endorse her as the Democratic nominee. Democrats are already uniting around the Vice President, and I look forward to working to elect Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States.”
"The inevitable is now a reality — Biden dropping out — will chaos consume the Democrats party?"
"You may feel overwhelmed by this historic news right now. You may feel angst, fear, and frustration. Believe me, I understand. Let’s all take a deep breath. The future of democracy will come down to you and me…all of us. Let’s lock arms, dig deeper, and do everything we can to protect our future and preserve our pursuit of democracy. Let’s do this. We must."
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.