‘I’m not going anywhere’: Biden pledges campaign support for Harris after stepping down from 2024 race
US President Joe Biden on Monday asserted his unwavering commitment to remain actively engaged in his role as president and to vigorously campaign for Vice President Kamala Harris. In his first public remarks since announcing his decision not to seek a second term, Biden expressed gratitude to his campaign team during a meeting led by Harris at their former joint campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware.He urged them to redirect their efforts towards supporting Harris.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Biden said. “I know yesterday’s news was surprising and hard for you to hear,” Biden continued, “but it was the right thing to do. I know it’s hard because you poured your heart and soul into me to help us win this thing.”
The president, who had been out of public view since Wednesday night due to Covid isolation at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, sounded slightly hoarse but strong. The White House physician reported earlier that day that Biden was recovering well, with his symptoms nearly completely resolved.
“The name has changed at the top of the ticket, but the mission hasn’t changed at all,” Biden told the campaign team. “And by the way, I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be out there on the campaign with her, with Kamala. I’m going to be working like hell, both as a sitting president getting legislation passed as well as campaigning. You know, we still need to save this democracy, and Trump is still a danger to the community. He’s a danger to the nation,” he added.
Biden emphasised his intention to use his remaining time in office to advocate for increased child care, reduced prescription drug costs, climate change mitigation, and an end to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. He is expected to host a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later in the week and expressed optimism about the possibility of a cease-fire.
The president did not provide further details about his decision to withdraw from the race but expressed sincere gratitude to his team for their sacrifices and achievements. He encouraged them to devote the same level of dedication and passion to Harris as they had given to him.
After concluding his remarks, Biden remained on the line as Harris addressed the team, expressing her affection for Joe and Jill Biden and emphasising their close relationship. Biden interjected, affirming the mutual sentiment, to which Harris playfully responded, acknowledging his continued presence and reiterating that he was not going anywhere.
She emphasised the close relationship she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, share with the president and first lady, saying, “We love Joe and Jill. We really do. They truly are like family to us.”
In response to Harris’s remarks, Biden’s voice unexpectedly emerged from the speakers, affirming the mutual affection between them. “It’s mutual!” he said.
Harris, unsurprised by Biden’s interjection, playfully acknowledged his presence, saying, “I knew you were still there. You’re not going anywhere.”
The president, in a lighthearted manner, responded, “I’m watching you, kid. I’m watching you.”
As the event progressed, Harris confidently asserted that Biden’s work was far from over, saying, “Let’s be very clear. Joe is not done, far from it.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Biden said. “I know yesterday’s news was surprising and hard for you to hear,” Biden continued, “but it was the right thing to do. I know it’s hard because you poured your heart and soul into me to help us win this thing.”
The president, who had been out of public view since Wednesday night due to Covid isolation at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, sounded slightly hoarse but strong. The White House physician reported earlier that day that Biden was recovering well, with his symptoms nearly completely resolved.
“The name has changed at the top of the ticket, but the mission hasn’t changed at all,” Biden told the campaign team. “And by the way, I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be out there on the campaign with her, with Kamala. I’m going to be working like hell, both as a sitting president getting legislation passed as well as campaigning. You know, we still need to save this democracy, and Trump is still a danger to the community. He’s a danger to the nation,” he added.
Biden emphasised his intention to use his remaining time in office to advocate for increased child care, reduced prescription drug costs, climate change mitigation, and an end to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. He is expected to host a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later in the week and expressed optimism about the possibility of a cease-fire.
The president did not provide further details about his decision to withdraw from the race but expressed sincere gratitude to his team for their sacrifices and achievements. He encouraged them to devote the same level of dedication and passion to Harris as they had given to him.
After concluding his remarks, Biden remained on the line as Harris addressed the team, expressing her affection for Joe and Jill Biden and emphasising their close relationship. Biden interjected, affirming the mutual sentiment, to which Harris playfully responded, acknowledging his continued presence and reiterating that he was not going anywhere.
She emphasised the close relationship she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, share with the president and first lady, saying, “We love Joe and Jill. We really do. They truly are like family to us.”
In response to Harris’s remarks, Biden’s voice unexpectedly emerged from the speakers, affirming the mutual affection between them. “It’s mutual!” he said.
Harris, unsurprised by Biden’s interjection, playfully acknowledged his presence, saying, “I knew you were still there. You’re not going anywhere.”
The president, in a lighthearted manner, responded, “I’m watching you, kid. I’m watching you.”
As the event progressed, Harris confidently asserted that Biden’s work was far from over, saying, “Let’s be very clear. Joe is not done, far from it.”
