CNN political commentator Van Jones, a staunch Biden supporter, breaks down in tears while sharing his reaction to the president's decision to step aside.
CNN commentator and former Obama administration official Van Jones was overcome with emotion as he reacted to the news that President Biden would withdraw from the 2024 Democratic presidential race. Jones, a longtime Biden supporter, expressed a deep personal connection to the president and voiced his sadness at his departure.
"When your arm gets tired, you let somebody else finish pitching the game," Jones said on CNN Sunday. "That's what Joe Biden has done. And he's done that for all of us."
Van Jones Overwhelmed with Emotion as Biden Withdraws from Race
Jones emphasized Biden's significant contributions to the Democratic Party and credited him for much of their recent accomplishments. "The Democrat Party's [Biden's] family at the end of the day, this is a family matter," Jones said. "You know, Joe Biden's body may not be as strong as it used to be. His language skills may not be as sharp as they used to be. His heart is as big as ever."
Jones drew a parallel between Biden's decision and the difficult situation of having to take driving privileges away from an aging family member. "It's kind of like when your grandpa, [when] you got to take the keys," Jones said. "He's fighting and he's fighting and everybody's so frustrated."
Van Jones Overwhelmed with Emotion as Biden Withdraws from Race
As Jones spoke, his voice grew increasingly shaky and tears began to well up in his eyes. "And then you finally get the keys back," he continued, his voice cracking. "And then you just cry. Because this is somebody that you love. This is somebody that you care about. This is somebody who was there for you. This is somebody, you wouldn't be here without him. And you had to take something from him."
Jones acknowledged that he did not know who would replace Biden as the Democratic nominee, but he emphasized the importance of honoring the president's legacy. "Politics is politics," he said, "But this is a human moment for one of the great humans in America."
Van Jones Overwhelmed with Emotion as Biden Withdraws from Race
"I just want to say, I don't know who's going to be the VP, the non-VP. I don't know anything about politics," Jones said. "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 concluded his remarks with a heartfelt message of appreciation for Biden and a plea to cherish his contributions. "All of us are going to be in this situation someday, and I hope that we take a moment to honor this man and to love this man," Jones said. "I love Joe Biden. I appreciate what he's done. And a lot of people are heartbroken today. Even if it's the right thing, it's still just horrible."
Biden's decision to drop out of the race shocked many political observers, including other news hosts. MSNBC host and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki expressed surprise and said there had been little indication that Biden was considering withdrawing. Delaware Sen. Chris Coons also appeared close to tears in an interview with CBS News after Biden ended his campaign.
