Donald Trump does not mince words about what he describes as President Joe Biden's incompetence and failed presidency. But heavyweight Democrats praise Biden's decision to step down and hand over the baton.
"Dishonest Joe Biden was not qualified to run for president, and is definitely not qualified to serve – and he never was," writes the former president on his platform Truth Social.
"Look what he has done to our country, with millions of people crossing our borders, completely uncontrolled and unchecked, many from prisons, psychiatric clinics, and a large number of terrorists. We will suffer because of his presidency, but we will rectify the damage he has done and quickly. Make America great again," it continues.
Trump's and the Republicans' vice presidential candidate JD Vance writes on X:
"Joe Biden has been the worst president in my lifetime and Kamala Harris has been by his side all the time".
Biden "a true patriot"
Joe Biden supports Vice President Kamala Harris as the new presidential candidate. She, in turn, describes Biden's decision to step down as a "selfless and patriotic act" in a statement.
"I am honored to have the president's support and my intention is to earn and win the nomination," she says.
Democrat and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says that Biden is a "true patriot" who has decided to hand over the baton to another presidential candidate.
"Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great political leader but also a fantastic person. His decision was not easy, but once again, he has put his country, his party, and our future first," he writes on X.
Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the House and one of the Democrats' heavyweights, says in a statement that Joe Biden is "one of the most outstanding presidents in US history". She describes him further as "a patriotic American who has always put our country first" and whose political legacy is characterized by "visions, values, and leadership".
Praised by former presidents
Even former President Barack Obama praises Biden's efforts as president.
"Joe Biden has been one of the most outstanding presidents of the United States, and a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we have also – once again – been reminded that he is a great patriot".
"Joe has never backed down from a fight. To, as he has done, look out over the political landscape and decide to hand over the baton to a new candidate is certainly one of the toughest decisions in his life. And I know that he would never have made that decision if he didn't think it was best for the United States. It is proof of Joe Biden's love for the country."
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton also highlight Biden's efforts as president. At the same time, they back Vice President Kamala Harris as the new presidential candidate.
"Nothing has made us more worried about our country than the threat of a second term for Trump," they write in a joint statement.
