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Many Democrats back Harris in 2024 race, but Pelosi and others remain silent

PARIS: World leaders lined up on Sunday to pay tribute to US President Joe Biden after he announced his withdrawal from the race for the US presidency, but Republicans have called on him to step down before the end of his term.

Biden announced his decision in a letter released Sunday, a stunning move that upends the 2024 White House race, as he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s new nominee.

A senior Republican argued that if he was unfit to run for re-election, he was unfit to serve out his term. But world leaders lined up to pay tribute to Biden’s achievements as US president.

“You have taken many difficult decisions that have made Poland, America and the world safer and made democracy stronger,” said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

“I know you were driven by the same motives when you announced your final decision. Probably the most difficult decision of your life,” added Tusk, who was president of the European Council between 2014 and 2019.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he respected Biden’s decision, adding: “I look forward to working together during the remainder of his presidency.

“I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will base his decision on what he believes is best for the American people,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also paid tribute to Biden’s legacy.

“My friend @POTUS Joe Biden has accomplished a lot: for his country, for Europe, for the world,” he wrote on X. “His decision not to run for re-election deserves respect.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog thanked him for his decades of support.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to @POTUS Joe Biden for his friendship and steadfast support for the Israeli people throughout his decades-long career,” Herzog, whose role is largely ceremonial, wrote on social media.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also thanked Biden for his years of service.

“I have known President Biden for years,” he wrote on X.

“He is a great man and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As president, he is a partner to Canadians — and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady, thank you.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on X: “Thank you for your leadership and continued commitment, President Biden.”

“The Australia-US alliance has never been stronger, with our shared commitment to democratic values, international security, economic prosperity and climate action for this and future generations.”

Former President Barack Obama, with whom Biden served two terms as vice president, praised his performance as president.

“Internationally, he has restored America’s standing in the world, revitalized NATO and mobilized the world to stand up to Russian aggression in Ukraine,” he said.

While he had every right to seek re-election, Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race was a testament to his “love of country,” Obama added.

The Kremlin says it is closely monitoring developments.

“The elections are still four months away. And it is a long time, during which much can change. We need to pay attention, follow what will happen and continue with our business,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the news outlet Life.ru.

While world leaders praised his achievements on the world stage, leading Republicans continued to insist he was unfit to remain president.

“If Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as president,” said a statement from House Speaker Mike Johnson, the top Republican in Congress.

“He must resign immediately. November 5 cannot come soon enough,” he added.

Former President Donald Trump, who is running for president again, wrote on his Truth Social network: “The corrupt Joe Biden was not fit to run for president, and is certainly not fit to serve.”

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