Barack Obama Calls Joe Biden “A Patriot Of The Highest Order,” Does Not Endorse Yet: “We Will Be Navigating Uncharted Waters In The Days Ahead”

Former President Barack Obama called Joe Biden “a patriot of the highest order” following the president’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.

Obama has not endorsed his successor at the top of the ticket, but said in a statement, “We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”

“I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August,” Obama said. “And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.”

Obama appeared with Biden at a Hollywood-filled fundraiser last month which raised a record amount for the Democratic party, but the president appeared tired, having flown in from a trip to Europe.

Some news outlets had reported that Obama held misgivings about Biden’s chances for reelection following his debate performance on June 27.

“This outstanding track record gave President Biden every right to run for re-election and finish the job he started,” Obama said. “Joe understands better than anyone the stakes in this election — how everything he has fought for throughout his life, and everything that the Democratic Party stands for, will be at risk if we allow Donald Trump back in the White House and give Republicans control of Congress.”

“I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight. For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life. But I know he wouldn’t make this decision unless he believed it was right for America. It’s a testament to Joe Biden’s love of country — and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow.”