BREAKING: Barack Obama praises 'patriot' Joe Biden after drop out, does not endorse Kamala

Former President Barack Obama has issued a statement in response to President Joe Biden's announcement that he will not seek re-election in 2024, however he stopped short of endorsing VP Kamala Harris. 

In his statement, Obama praised Biden as “one of America’s most consequential presidents” and a “dear friend and partner.” 

“President Biden has displayed character again and again,” Obama wrote. “He has reminded us of who we are at our best — a country committed to old-fashioned values like trust and honesty, kindness and hard work.” 

Obama acknowledged the difficulty of Biden’s decision to step aside, recognizing it as a “historic example” of a public servant prioritizing the nation’s interests. He also referred to it as a “testament to Joe Biden’s love of country.” 

“For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life,” Obama said. 

Despite Biden’s public endorsement of Harris as his successor, Obama’s statement avoided referencing the vice president and instead expressed confidence that the Democratic party will “be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”

“I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges. I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August. And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.”