United States: US President Joe Biden received an overwhelming amount of messages expressing gratitude and support following his unexpected statement on Sunday that he is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential run and supporting Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic contender.
It was the second major event in US politics in less than a week, after the failed assassination attempt on US President Donald Trump on July 13 at a rally in Pennsylvania, which prompted world leaders to support him as the Republican nominee.
During their meeting in Washington this month, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his respect for President Biden’s choice and looked forward to continuing their collaboration for the rest of his term.
“I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people,” Starmer shared on X.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau thanked Biden for being a “true friend” to his country. “He’s a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country,” he shared on X.
During a press conference, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Biden should be honoured for, as he has done throughout his public career, “once again not putting himself forward first, but giving his first consideration to being what he believes is in the interests of the United States of America, as he has done his whole public life.”
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed Biden for his “unwavering support” in his nation’s conflict with Russia, which the US has supported diplomatically, militarily, and with weaponry despite opposition from Republicans.
Regarding X, US President Joe Biden’s “steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable,” according to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and President Isaac Herzog of Israel, respectively.
Since the attacks in Gaza on October 7, Biden has been one of the leading proponents of Israel’s conflict in that region. However, he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been at odds more and more over humanitarian supplies and the conflict’s rising toll of civilian casualties.
Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela, claimed that Biden made the “right” choice by prioritizing his family and health during a rally on Sunday. His wishes were for “long life and health.”
Donald Tusk, the prime minister of Poland, stated on X that Biden had made tough choices that “have made democracy stronger and made Poland, America, and the world safer.”