(The Center Square) – Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore and former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan weighed in on President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection, both heaping praise on the president.
Moore, whose name is being floated around as a possible vice-presidential candidate, praised Biden, calling the president “an exemplar of true leadership.”
“President Biden has dedicated his life and career to serving the American people. His legacy of hard work, dedication, optimism, and strength have shaped the trajectory of our nation – and made us better as a people and as a county,” Moore posted to social media.
“This is a man deeply in love with his family, his country, and the promise of America. As a governor, I look to him as an exemplar of true leadership. As an American, I look to him as an embodiment of our shared values of freedom, decency, and patriotism.”
Moore then swiftly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris after saying he had spoken to Biden and Harris, offering his “full support” to Harris. He continued championing the vice president’s “record” and “vision.”
“Today, I am proud to voice my full support and offer my full endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Nominee for President of the United States,” Moore posted on social media.
“Vice President Harris has the experience, record, vision, and wisdom to unify the country. President Biden selected her to serve by his side because he knew she could lead the nation. She will have the unique ability to energize the Democratic Party base and mobilize a unique coalition, and we must rally around her and elect her to serve as the next President of United States,” said the governor.
Hogan, running for U.S. Senate, has been an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump and refuses to endorse him; he quickly praised Biden for “making the right decision.”
“I respect President Biden for his decades of public service. I believe he made the right decision for his family and the country,” Hogan posted to social media.
Hogan continued his comments by underscoring the current divisive political climate and saying his candidacy can bridge the partisan divide.
“These are dangerous and unprecedented times,” Hogan said. “He should be commended for putting the country ahead of personal ambition. The only way out of this cycle of chaos, divisiveness and dysfunction is to elect principled, common sense and experienced leaders who will focus on the day-to-day challenges facing Americans. We need less palace intrigue, less partisan nonsense, and more decisive action to solve the serious problems facing our nation. That’s why I’m running for U.S. Senate – to overcome all of the toxic politics and to bring strong, independent leadership to Washington.”
Monday morning, the Maryland Democratic National Convention delegates unanimously endorsed the vice president as the Democratic nominee for president during a virtual meeting.
“Vice President Kamala Harris possesses experience that uniquely qualifies her to serve as President of the United States, a strong track record of delivering for the American people on the heels of the Biden Harris administration, and the leadership to unite the party through this unprecedented time,” Maryland Democratic Party Chair Ken Ulman said in a statement.
“The Maryland Democratic Delegation stands unanimously behind her candidacy, eager to cast our votes for her and campaign vigorously for a historic victory this November.”