Kentucky, Indiana politicians react to President Joe Biden's decision to end reelection bid

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Elected officials and political leaders in Kentucky and Indiana are sharing reactions after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday.

Biden's decision ended his reelection bid following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take on Trump, and encouraged his party to united behind her.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat

"President Biden will be remembered as a consequential president. Along with Vice President Harris, he led us through the aftermath of the January 6th attack on our Capitol and steadily steered us out of a global pandemic. He showed up for Kentucky after devastating tornadoes and historic flooding, delivering immediate federal aid that is helping to rebuild our communities. His leadership provided infrastructure investments that are bringing clean drinking water and high speed internet to parts of Kentucky that for far too long had been overlooked and underserved. President Biden came through on the Brent Spence Companion Bridge Project, getting bipartisan funding for a project that had been stalled for years and is a major thoroughfare for national commerce.

While his decision today could not have been easy, it is in the best interest of our country, and our party. I want to thank him for his leadership, kindness and for a successful presidency that got big, important things done.

Now it is time for our nation to come together. We need to dial down the anger, rancor and noise. We have an opportunity to remember that we are taught to treat our neighbor as yourself—and that we are all each other’s neighbor."

Sen. Mitch McConnell, a Republican

"For four years, the American people have faced historic inflation at home, chaos at the border, and weak leadership on the world stage. Our nation is less prosperous and less secure than it was in January, 2021. We cannot afford four more years of failure.

“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."

Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican

"The inevitable is now a reality — Biden dropping out — will chaos consume the Democrats party?" Paul posted on X.

John Yarmuth, a former Kentucky Democratic Congressman

"Joe Biden: A selfless American hero." Yarmuth posted on X.

Cherlynn Stevenson, Derrick Graham and Rachel Roberts, Kentucky House Democratic Caucus Leaders

"President Biden has served this nation with distinction, building a legacy as senator, vice president and president that will have a positive and lasting impact for generations. We commend him for his dedication to always put our country first, a selfless value that undoubtedly drove today’s decision. His administration has overseen strong economic growth, a return of respect on the world stage, and a commitment to building an America that seeks to unite rather than divide. Our presidential nominee may change, but furthering those goals never will."

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."

Logan Gatti, Chair of Louisville Democrats

"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."

Morgan McGarvey, United States Representative, a Democrat

“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.”

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