On Monday, President Joe Biden broke his silence while Vice President Kamala Harris visited their former campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. During a call with campaign staff, Biden expressed confidence in his decision to withdraw from the race on Sunday, passing the torch to Harris.
“I’m watching you, kid,” Biden told Harris, pledging to stay involved in the reelection campaign.
He acknowledged the news was surprising and tough but assured it was the right move for an 81-year-old president.
Recognizing the dedication of his staff, Biden said, “I know it’s hard because you poured your heart and soul into me, to help us win this thing, help me get this nomination, help me win the presidency.”
The campaign headquarters already showed signs of transition with “Harris for President,” “Kamala,” and “Restore Roe” signage, though a “Biden-Harris” logo still adorned one wall.
“I’m hoping you’ll give every bit of your heart and soul that you gave to me to Kamala,” Biden said. “And I want you to know, I won’t be on the ticket but I’m still going to be fully, fully engaged.”
Biden emphasized his commitment to his remaining time in office, focusing on foreign and domestic policies, including efforts to end the war in Gaza. He assured Harris of his unwavering support, ready to do “whatever Kamala wants me or needs me to do.”
‘I’ve got six months left of my presidency, I’m determined to get as much done as I possibly can – both foreign policy and domestic policy,’ he continued, making mention of ‘working for an end to the war in Gaza.’
“So let me be real clear. We’re still fighting in this fight together. I’m not going anywhere,” Biden declared.
He has not been seen publicly since Wednesday after testing positive for COVID-19 and has been isolating at his Rehoboth Beach home, where he made the decision to exit the race.
Campaign staff were blindsided by Biden’s announcement, learning about it through social media on Sunday. “No one had a heads up before the tweet posted,” a campaign source told DailyMail.com, calling it an “insane way to treat the 1,300 people that work for you.”
On an all-staff call Sunday evening, Biden campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon reassured aides their jobs were secure, acknowledging the difficulty of learning the news while working but stressing the importance of hearing directly from the president.
After posting his withdrawal letter, Biden endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee, solidifying her position in the upcoming election.
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