Global Leaders Respond: Impact of Biden’s Withdrawal from 2024 US Presidential Race

Global leaders praised President Biden for exiting the 2024 race and backing Kamala Harris. This decision followed Biden’s troubled debate and amid global support for Donald Trump after an assassination attempt. Allies lauded Biden’s leadership, calling his exit a pivotal moment in US politics.

World leaders reacted with gratitude and respect to President Biden’s announcement of his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who recently met with Biden in Washington, praised his decision-making rooted in the American people’s best interests. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed appreciation for Biden’s friendship and commitment to bilateral relations. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commended Biden for prioritizing national interests over personal ambition. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recognized Biden’s extensive public service and dedication to leadership. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Biden for steadfast support during Ukraine’s conflict with Russia, noting Biden’s decisive actions amid international challenges. Collectively, these leaders acknowledged Biden’s legacy of service and leadership, emphasizing his role in fostering global partnerships and stability. Biden’s decision was seen as a testament to his statesmanship and dedication to the welfare of the United States and its allies worldwide.

In Israel, President Isaac Herzog praised Biden as a staunch ally of the Jewish people, while Defense Minister Yoav Gallant highlighted Biden’s crucial support during recent conflicts, posted on X. Biden has strongly supported Israel during the Gaza conflict since Hamas’ attacks on October 7. However, disagreements over humanitarian aid and civilian casualties have strained his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has not yet commented on Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race. Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris described Biden as deeply connected to his Irish heritage and thanked him for his global leadership and friendship. Other leaders acknowledged the difficulty of Biden’s decision to step back from the presidential race.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised Joe Biden’s accomplishments for the US, Europe, and the world, respecting his decision not to seek re-election. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro supported Biden’s choice, emphasizing family and health. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk credited Biden for tough decisions benefiting global security and democracy. Leaders in South Korea and Japan refrained from US domestic politics commentary, highlighting continued collaboration with the White House. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stressed the vital Japan-US alliance. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged ongoing partnership with the US. Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos JR appreciated Biden’s statesmanship and support during challenging times in Philippine-China relations.

Chinese Social Media Reacts to Biden’s Exit from 2024 Race

As of Monday morning, there was no official response from Chinese leader Xi Jinping. However, on Weibo, China’s social platform similar to X, “Biden dropping out of the election” trended as the top topic, amassing over 400 million views across related discussions on Kamala Harris and Trump’s recent assassination attempt.

Some users on Weibo speculated enthusiastically about the possibility of a female US president, while others predicted Trump’s victory regardless of the Democratic nominee. One user commented, “The assassination attempt was a good deal for Trump!” while another remarked humorously, “That one shot didn’t kill Trump but dropped Biden instead.” Overall, opinions on US politics among Chinese users varied, with some describing the situation as chaotic.