World reacts to Joe Biden dropping out of presidential race

Politicians and commentators from around the world continue to react this morning to Joe Biden's historic decision to drop out of the 2024 US presidential race.

Following repeated calls for Biden to bow out after his disastrous debate against Donald Trump last month, the current US president finally shared the announcement over social media yesterday evening.

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," he wrote. "And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term."

He has also offered his "full support and endorsement" for current US vice president Kamala Harris to be selected as the Democratic Party nominee.

Kamala Harris. Credit: Gage Skidmore

Hot Press editor Niall Stokes wrote about the urgent need to replace Biden as the Democrats' candidate as part of 'The Message' in our latest issue – noting that, "were Joe Biden in full command of his senses, it’s possible that there would already be a ceasefire in Gaza".

"The next few weeks will be both fascinating and frightening," Niall continued. "But the bottom line is that someone has to convince Joe Biden that there is no loss of dignity in handing over the torch.

"The most important imperative of all is to beat Donald Trump and to drive him back into the swamp out of which he crawled."

The Taoiseach, Simon Harris, has issued a statement in response to the news – thanking Biden, on behalf of "the people and government of Ireland", for his "global leadership" and "friendship".

"Joe Biden, in all the offices he has held, has always been an unwavering voice and passionate worker for peace on the island of Ireland and our country owes him a great debt for this," Harris resumed.

Barack Obama also paid tribute to his former vice president:

"Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded – again – that he’s a patriot of the highest order."

Barack Obama. Credit: Pari Dukovic

The reactions have poured in from across the entertainment world too.

"Joe Biden will go down in history as a man who accomplished significant achievements in his 4 year term," Barbra Streisand wrote on X. "We should be grateful for his upholding of our democracy."

In a lengthy statement shared on Instagram, John Legend praised Biden – noting that he has "more than earned re-election, but time and age come for us all."

"I'm grateful for the grace and patriotism he has shown by choosing to step aside for the sake of the country," he continued. "I'm so ready to work to help unite the pro-democracy coalition to reject Trump's authoritarian, oppressive Project 2025 and elect Kamala Harris as our President. She's ready for this fight and I'm excited to help her in any way I can."

Award-winning American actor – and well-known St Patrick's Athletic FC fan – Wendell Pierce also described Biden's decision as a "selfless patriotic act."

"He deferred to what he decided was best for his party and country," Pierce wrote on X. "He saved this nation 4 years ago in the middle of a pandemic, an economic crisis, and a constitutional crisis after an insurrection against the government. Today we are stronger than we were then. President Biden’s legacy will include saving democracy from American fascism. For that I am eternally grateful."

Re-sharing a video from last month in which she weighed in on the presidential race, Cardi B wrote: "AHAHAHAHA LETS GOOOOO I TOLD YALLL KAMALA WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE 2024 candidate…..STOP FCKIN PLAYIN WITH ME !!!!!!!"

Cardi B at Longitude 2019. Sunday 7th of July. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

The Waterboys' Mike Scott applauded Biden's decision, stating online: "Good man, Joe."

He also addressed Trump's taunting of Biden following the news – sarcastically writing:

"It is heart-warming to read Donald Trump's gracious and serene comments on the occasion of Joe Biden stepping out. He has indeed been changed by his near-death experience..."

Before adding:

"...Actually still a rabid, lying, vengeful narcissist."