Trump on 2024 Race: ‘Harris Will Be Easier to Defeat’

Following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate to replace him on Sunday afternoon, notable figures, including Democrats and Republicans have reacted to the matter. 

In his statement, Biden said, “I made the decision in the best interest of my party and the country. It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as president.”

Following Biden’s announcement, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton endorsed Kamala Harris. In a statement posted on X, they said, “We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her. Now is the time to support Kamala Harris and fight with everything we’ve got to elect her.”

The Clintons praised Biden’s presidency: “President Biden has lifted America out of an unprecedented pandemic, created millions of new jobs, rebuilt a battered economy, strengthened our democracy, and restored our standing in the world. We join millions of Americans in thanking President Biden for all he has accomplished.”

Former President Barack Obama also released a statement praising Biden’s legacy but has yet to endorse Harris officially. A majority of Democrats in Congress and nearly half of the country’s Democratic governors have announced their support for Vice President Harris in the hours following Biden’s announcement.

However, former President Donald Trump criticized Biden, calling him “the worst president in the history of the United States.” In an interview with NBC News, Trump stated, “There has never been a president who has done such damage to our country.” On his platform, Truth Social, Trump labeled Biden as “crooked” and unfit for the presidency. He expressed confidence in defeating Harris, saying, “She will be easier to defeat.”

Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, echoed these sentiments, criticizing Harris for supporting Biden’s policies, which he claimed have harmed the country.

Republican leaders, including House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik and House Speaker Mike Johnson, called for Biden’s immediate resignation. Johnson stated, “If Biden doesn’t think he’s capable of serving as Commander in Chief for another four years, what reason do we have to believe he can do the job for the next four months?”

Publicly, 203 elected Democrats have supported Harris:

• 14 Governors, including Gavin Newsom (California) and Josh Shapiro (Pennsylvania)
• 33 Senators, including Richard Durbin (Illinois) and Kirsten Gillibrand (New York)
• 156 Representatives, including Steny Hoyer (Maryland)

Sixty-five Democrats issued statements but did not specify their support, while 14 have not commented.

With Biden’s withdrawal, the 2024 presidential race is now set between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Harris seeks to make history as the first female president, while Trump aims for a return to the White House.

Harris is actively seeking support from Black women voters, attending events such as the ESSENCE Festival and gatherings for historically Black sororities to strengthen her base.