Support for Harris grows as praise for Biden decision piles up

President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside and make way for a younger Democratic candidate was met with swift praise from leading party members in Massachusetts, many of whom were quick to announce their support for Biden’s chosen successor.

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said that she will join the President in endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris’ run for the party nomination they all sought in 2020, after giving the 46th President credit for the work he’s done over the last three years and for beating former president Donald Trump in the first place.

“(Harris) is a proven fighter who has been a national leader in safeguarding consumers and protecting access to abortion. As a former prosecutor, she can press a forceful case against allowing Donald Trump to regain the White House. We have many talented people in our party, but Vice President Harris is the person who was chosen by the voters to succeed Joe Biden if needed. She can unite our party, take on Donald Trump, and win in November,” Warren said.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, long seen as a Biden campaign surrogate, thanked the President for his lifetime of service and his work in turning the economy around.

“President Biden’s decision today not to seek reelection is the ultimate example of putting the country first — something Joe Biden has done over and over again in his unparalleled career. We are all deeply grateful to President Biden for his lifetime of service,” she said.

U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark, the House Minority Whip, said Biden’s decision tells of his “steadfast courage” and love of country.

“Around the globe, he is admired for his steady, experienced leadership — always honoring America’s crucial role as a facilitator of peace, democracy, and human rights,” she said in a statement.

Salem’s U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton said via social media that he’s “proud of our president, who will go down in history as a great statesman.”

“Proud to endorse our vice president, who has the energy, courage, and vision to beat Donald Trump. Now let’s come together and get to work,” he said.

Joe Biden “saved our Democracy in 2020,” according to U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, and he’s taking the right step to do the same again now.

“President Biden’s decision to pass the baton positions us to defeat Donald Trump again this November and build on the work we’ve done. Together with our strong, proven Vice President Kamala Harris, Democrats will make a clear, effective case to voters why our commitment to improving the lives of every American is the better choice than Donald Trump’s chaotic and extreme Republican Party,” she said.

U.S. Rep. Ayana Pressley said of Harris that she’s “all in, let’s go.”

Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka said Biden’s decision demonstrates what “true leadership looks like.”

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said Harris is “the leader we need to meet this moment.”

“Democrats will win in November, and I will do all I can to help. I’m excited to organize and vote for Vice president Harris,” she said.

“One of the most consequential presidents of my lifetime just put his country before himself, as he always has. Unity matters now more than ever before – it’s time for Democrats to come together behind Vice President Harris to defeat Donald Trump,” she said.

MassGOP Chairwoman Amy Carnevale said that decision to back Harris won’t help Democrats in November.

“No matter the nominee, Americans now see through the Democratic Party. From the economy to border security, Democrats have fallen short. Americans want a shift, and we’re confident that no Democrat will measure up to the Republican ticket,” she said.

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