Following his decision to not seek re-election, President Biden faces a torrent of praise from the left, with pundits and former officials lauding him as a self-sacrificing patriot.
President Biden's announcement that he will not run for a second term in 2024 has ignited a chorus of adulation from the political left. In a flurry of glowing statements and commentaries, media personalities, pundits, and even former Democratic allies have hailed Biden as a selfless patriot and a model of statesmanship.
MSNBC's Rachel Maddow set the tone for the left-wing plaudits, describing Biden's decision as "an act of selfless devotion to your country." She extolled his leadership, claiming he "brought us back from COVID" and presided over "the best recovery from COVID of any major nation on earth."
Biden's Patriotic Retreat: Media Extols Virtues as President Exits 2024 Race
Similar sentiments were echoed by CNN commentator Van Jones, who grew emotional while expressing his admiration for Biden. "I just know that I love this man, I care about this man. It was painful every day to sit up here and talk about him like he’s just some problem for the party," Jones confessed. "I love Joe Biden. I appreciate what he’s done. This is leadership, this is patriotism. This is what it means to put the country first."
Other MSNBC personalities joined in the chorus of praise. Nicolle Wallace called Biden's decision an "act of sacrifice," while former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau lauded his selflessness.
Biden's Patriotic Retreat: Media Extols Virtues as President Exits 2024 Race
The admiration extended beyond the realm of media personalities. Former President Barack Obama himself referred to Biden as a "patriot of the highest order" in a statement. Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin declared it "Biden's finest hour," describing his choice as "a courageous and selfless decision."
Presidential historian Jon Meacham compared Biden's decision to that of George Washington, who also stepped away from the presidency. "This is an act of self-sacrifice that places him in the company of George Washington, who also stepped away from the presidency," Meacham remarked.
Biden's Patriotic Retreat: Media Extols Virtues as President Exits 2024 Race
Even far-left actor Mark Hamill praised Biden, tweeting that "his record of accomplishments is unmatched by any president in our lifetime." Liberal activist Michael Moore echoed the sentiment, extolling Biden's "selfless act" that will be "honored and remembered for years to come."
Democratic politicians were not to be outdone in their praise. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., declared that Biden is "one of the most consequential presidents ever." "Joe Biden is a patriot, I love him, I love his family, and I love what he has done for the country," said MSNBC's "Morning Joe" co-host Mika Brzezinski.
Biden's Patriotic Retreat: Media Extols Virtues as President Exits 2024 Race
On ABC News' "The View," Ana Navarro compared Biden to a "champion athlete," while Sunny Hostin called him "one of the greatest presidents." Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., went so far as to credit Biden with "saving our country."
In a twist of irony, former Obama press secretary Jen Psaki, now an MSNBC pundit, declared Biden a "remarkable person, a remarkable president." This, despite the fact that Psaki herself had previously publicly expressed doubts about Biden's fitness for office.
NewsBusters executive editor Tim Graham, however, saw through the facade of praise. "There's nothing funnier than the Democrats spending three weeks trying to drag Biden out of the race, and when he finally knuckles under, then he's like George Washington, and he's shown honor and grace and patriotism," Graham told Fox News Digital.
Despite the outpouring of glowing tributes, Biden's decision to exit the 2024 race is widely seen as a strategic move to clear the path for Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he endorsed as his successor. Whether Harris will be able to generate the same level of adoration from the left remains to be seen.
