Suburban Democrats hail ‘selfless’ Biden; GOP leader slams ‘years of lies’
Suburban Democratic leaders praised President Joe Biden as selfless and honorable for ending his reelection bid Sunday and lauded his accomplishments in office.
They also said they’re ready to campaign for their party’s presidential nominee — whomever it may be — in the pending battle against Republican Donald Trump.
“President Biden’s policy achievements have already established his place as one of the most consequential presidents in American history,” U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg said. “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.”
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, one of several House Democrats to call for Biden’s withdrawal from the race in recent weeks, thanked the president for his decision.
“Joe Biden has selflessly served our nation with courage, heart and honor,” Schneider said. “As President, he guided our nation through and out of an unprecedented global pandemic. He passed transformative legislation that has led to our economy becoming the strongest in the world.”
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates lauded Biden’s more than 50 years in public service, touting an “unparalleled record of accomplishments.” She cited Biden’s work on the Violence Against Women Act and the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to guide the nation out of the COVID-19 pandemic, as examples.
“No one has done more for working Americans than Joe Biden — and so many of us owe him a debt of gratitude for everything he’s done to improve our country,” she said.
The reactions from across the political aisle weren’t as fawning.
Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi of Mundelein issued a blistering statement slamming Biden, his administration and Democrats as a whole.
“Today’s announcement is the culmination of years of lies from the Biden White House and Democrats shaming anyone who questioned the fitness of President Biden,” she said.
Republican congressional candidate Jerry Evans said Biden should resign as president if he's not up to leading or running for reelection.
“We need leadership that puts the country first, instead of holding on to power for partisan purposes,” said Warrenville's Evans, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Bill Foster of Naperville in the 11th District. “The only question left is, Does Bill Foster think Biden is still fit to continue to serve?”
Foster declined to address Evans’ remarks and instead said Biden’s decision to step down as presidential nominee “will be counted among the most selfless acts of patriotism as any leader in American history.”
“By putting our nation’s best interests above his own, he’s solidified his legacy, and he has passed the torch to the next generation to defend our democracy,” Foster said.
While Biden’s decision leaves the Democrats without a presidential candidate, likely until next month’s party convention in Chicago, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the post. Lake County Democratic Chair Lauren Beth Gash, who’ll be a delegate at the convention, quickly got behind Harris as a possible nominee.
“Kamala Harris is incredibly qualified and she will be ready to be president on Day One,” Gash said.
Schneider and Foster also threw their support to Harris. So did U.S. Reps. Sean Casten of Downers Grove, Lauren Underwood of Naperville, Delia Ramirez of Chicago and Mike Quigley of Chicago, all of whom represent parts of the North, West or Northwest suburbs.
“While the last few weeks have at times been tense in the Democratic Party, we have always been united in our goal of defeating Donald Trump in November,” Quigley said in a statement. “I now look forward to our party uniting behind Vice President Kamala Harris as we do everything we can to get her elected and prevent Trump from winning another term.”
Casten’s challenger in the Nov. 5 race for the 6th District seat, Republican Niki Conforti of Glen Ellyn, said she doesn’t think Harris — who unsuccessfully sought the presidency in 2020 — moving to the top of the Democratic ticket will negatively affect her party’s odds of winning the White House or down-ballot races.
“The voters know Kamala Harris and her leadership capabilities, and they have real concerns with her being the commander-in-chief,” Conforti said.