NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Washington, DC, July 21, 2024: The five Indian American members of Congress have responded to President Joe Biden’s Sunday announcement that he will not seek reelection and his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. Reps. Shri Thanedar, Pramila Jayapal, Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Ro Khanna reacted with statements reflecting both gratitude for Biden’s service and varied levels of support for Harris.
Earlier today, Biden, 81, stated, “while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down.” He endorsed Harris, saying, “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala Harris to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump.”
Representative Shri Thanedar from Michigan expressed deep appreciation for Biden’s presidency and endorsed Kamala Harris. “Thank you Mr. President for your service to our nation. You have been the most effective President in American history. We owe you a debt of gratitude. Now is the time to come together behind Vice President Kamala Harris and defeat Donald Trump.”
Washington Representative Pramila Jayapal praised Biden’s accomplishments and threw her support behind Harris. “Thank you for your incredible work @JoeBiden, it has been an honor to work with you. @KamalaHarris for President. Let’s do this.”
Kamala Harris for President.
— Pramila Jayapal (@PramilaJayapal) July 21, 2024
Let’s beat Donald Trump and make history. pic.twitter.com/vbx3EnOCMY
California Congressman Ami Bera, an early Biden supporter, urged the Democratic Party to unite behind Harris. “As an early supporter of President Biden’s in 2019, I can confidently say that his historic legacy is now intact. It is time for the Democratic Party to rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris and defeat Donald Trump this November.”
Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois focused on Biden’s policy achievements and selflessness, without explicitly endorsing Harris. “President Biden’s policy achievements have already established his place as one of the most consequential presidents in American history. Through his decision today, Joe Biden has demonstrated the true and selfless nature of a life committed to putting the country, and his fellow Americans, first.”
California Congressman Ro Khanna highlighted Biden’s economic policies and his dedication to the country, stopping short of endorsing Harris. “Biden will be remembered as an extraordinary President for starting to reverse 40+ years of economic policy that has devastated working-class communities. He showed us what it means to put country first to save American democracy and now he is putting our country ahead of self-interest.”
Former President Barack Obama also commented on Biden’s decision, praising his presidency but did not mention Harris. “Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded — again — that he’s a patriot of the highest order,” Obama said. He added, “I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”
The Democratic Party will need to nominate Harris formally at the convention in August, making her the first African-American woman and the first Indian-American to win the nomination of a major political party for the White House. Harris’s path to nomination is not automatic, and it remains to be seen if she will face rivals like Governors Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer, or entrepreneur Mark Cuban.