Biden ‘put our country first’ in decision, NH Democratic leaders say as they praise his record

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Top New Hampshire Democrats offered moving statements of praise and gratitude to President Joe Biden following his Sunday announcement that he would be withdrawing from his re-election bid and endorsing his Vice President, Kamala Harris to run in his place.

New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley was one of several leaders highlighting Biden’s comprehensive record of policy accomplishment while in office.

“President Biden has had one of the most successful administrations in recent history and he has dedicated his life to public service. After beating Donald Trump in 2020, he brought our country back from a global pandemic and reinvigorated our economy, rebuilt our crumbling infrastructure and made historic investments to combat climate change. He led our partners and allies around the world to defeat creeping authoritarianism in Europe and has returned the United States to our status as a global leader.” Buckley said.

“With his decision today, President Biden has shown true selflessness and patriotism by passing the baton to the next generation and moving our party and nation forward.”

Buckley also published a statement on social media on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Association of State Democratic Committees (ASDC) – representing the 57 State Democratic Parties announcing their support for the nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Top Democrats running for Governor issued their own statements thanking the president for this service to the country.

“I am grateful for all that Joe Biden has done for our nation and the Granite State. I admire his selfless decision today to put our country first and I look forward to working with Democrats across the country to defeat Donald Trump in November,” said Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington.

“President Joe Biden has dedicated his life to the service of our country. His decision to no longer seek reelection demonstrates his selfless commitment to our nation and our democracy. President Biden’s legacy in New Hampshire will be defined by what he delivered for Granite Staters,” said former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig. 

Colin Van Ostern, a former NH Executive Councilor and one of two candidates seeking the NH-02 congressional seat, said Biden’s decision was “selfless”.

“Joe Biden is a good man who loves our country and has dedicated his life to public service.  This selfless decision makes room for the next generation of leadership. It’s time for America to turn the page, defeat Trump, and embrace our next chapter in this fall’s election.”

Maggie Goodlander, a former Biden administration official and candidate for the NH-02 congressional seat, said her time in the administration was a point of pride.

“President Biden is a true American patriot and one of the very best Presidents America has ever known… I was proud to serve on the frontlines of the fight against corporate monopolies that are making life harder for hardworking people across America. I will never stop fighting to advance the work President Biden has championed throughout his lifetime of extraordinary service to our country.”

Members of New Hampshire’s congressional delegation began issuing reactions on Sunday afternoon.

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who was among the earliest high-level Democrats to suggest Biden should consider withdrawing, said the president was putting country before politics

“President Biden has been one of America’s most accomplished and consequential presidents … President Biden should be proud of the progress America has made under his leadership. As he always has, President Biden is once again putting the country he loves first, and I thank him for his unwavering dedication and service to our nation,” Shaheen said.

U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan said she was “profoundly grateful to President Biden for all that he has done for our country and will continue to do for the remainder of his term.”

“Under President Biden’s bipartisan leadership over these past three-and-a-half years we have passed critical measures to rebuild our country’s infrastructure, manufacture critical technology here in America again, and provide veterans the care that they have earned and deserve. And even when we couldn’t find members of the other party to work with us, President Biden found a way forward to take on Big Pharma in order to lower prescription drug costs and spur a new clean energy economy to fight climate change. Simply put, President Biden’s presidency will be remembered as one of the most effective in our lifetimes.” Hassan said.

Congressman Chris Pappas, in the midst of a re-election campaign of his own, said he agreed with the president’s decision to pass the torch and put the focus back on issues that matter to voters.

“This election is about more than one candidate on the ballot. Protecting reproductive freedom, strengthening Social Security and Medicare, lowering drug prices, and bringing down costs for families are all on the ballot this November. That is why I remain focused on continuing the progress we’ve made, making a difference for Granite Staters, and putting New Hampshire first.”

Outgoing Congresswoman Annie Kuster, Chair of the New Democrat Coalition Action Fund, offered gratitude and an endorsement for Harris.

“In just under four years as our Commander in Chief, President Biden has cemented himself in history as one of the most consequential leaders to hold the Oval Office. There is no doubt his administration will forever be remembered for having one of the most impressive legislative records since President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson.”

Former New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Kathy Sullivan, who was among the most highly-visible organizers of the Biden write-in effort in this year’s primary, told the Boston Globe she hoped the party would quickly organize behind Harris.

”I hope that Kamala is nominated without any drama. We’ve had enough drama… It’s time to move on. It’s time to go on and beat Trump. That’s what we all need to focus on. … I hope that we become very united behind Kamala Harris,” Sullivan said.

Nathan Shrader, an Associate Professor of Politics at New England College said on social media he was grateful to Biden for what must have been a very challenging decision.

“This must be a gut-wrenching decision for someone who has dedicated his life to serving the United States. Thank you for your patriotism, leadership, and courage Joe Biden,” said Shrader.