(The Center Square) – Tennessee native and former Vice President Al Gore called President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from his reelection bid on Sunday a “selfless decision.”
Meanwhile, the Tennessee Democratic Party met during the day Sunday and the Tennessee delegation to the Democratic National Convention announced it voted unanimously to support Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign for president.
“As president, Joe Biden has been – and is – an exceptional leader,” Gore wrote on social media. “He is responsible for developing and signing the most significant investment in climate solutions into law. He helped our nation navigate a global pandemic, ushered in an economic recovery that has created good-paying jobs for Americans across the country, and restored America’s standing abroad.”
Gore added that Biden’s work is not done as he continues his presidency.
“I know that he is not done delivering for the American people and will continue to serve this nation with wisdom and dignity in the coming months,” Gore wrote. “In paving the way for a new generation of leadership, President Biden’s decision is a fitting testament to his profoundly consequential career.”
While Gore and fellow Democrats were positive about Biden’s decision, some Tennessee lawmakers believe that Biden should reconsider continuing in the presidency until the end of his current term.
“If Joe Biden is too weak to stay in the race for the presidency, he should RESIGN as our Commander-in-Chief immediately,” Sen. Marsha Blackburn wrote from her campaign account.
Second Congressional Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, noted that he was eating at Pizza Palace in Knoxville when he heard the news, posting a photo of his pepperoni pizza.
“Remember Democrats vote for a program not a person. They know Biden can’t beat @realDonaldTrump and their programs are in danger,” Burchett later wrote.
Tennessee State House Minority Leader Karen Camper, D-Memphis, noted that Biden’s decision was a significant moment in U.S. history.
“In his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president, we see a continuation of this legacy of leadership and progress,” Camper said in a statement. “Vice President Harris has demonstrated exceptional service and dedication in her role, and her experience and vision make her an outstanding candidate to lead our nation forward.
“I fully support Vice President Harris in her bid to become the next President of the United States. Her commitment to equality, justice, and the well-being of all Americans reflects the values we hold dear.”
Ninth Congressional U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, wrote that he believes Biden made the right decision and that Biden had the “most impactful” presidency since Lyndon B. Johnson.
“Kamala Harris has the prosecutorial chops to make mincemeat of the mendacious malefactor Trump!” Cohen wrote on social media.
