President Joe Biden has stepped forward with a message of compassion and solidarity following Vice President Kamala Harris’s loss in the 2024 presidential election. Just two days after Republican nominee Donald Trump secured victory, Biden publicly praised Harris for her resilience, strength, and commitment, reaffirming his deep respect for her leadership and character. His remarks came in response to Harris’s emotional concession speech and served as both a tribute and a rallying call for continued unity within the Democratic Party.

“Vice President @KamalaHarris ran an inspiring campaign that showed everyone something I learned early on: She has a backbone like a ramrod and great character. True character,” Biden wrote in a heartfelt message shared across his social media platforms. “She gave her whole heart and effort, and she and her entire team should be proud.”

Biden’s words carried significant weight, especially considering his own decision earlier in the year to step aside and not seek a second term. In July 2024, amid growing calls from within the Democratic Party for new leadership, Biden made the difficult decision to withdraw from the race. With characteristic humility, he shifted focus toward finishing his presidential term while endorsing Harris as the party’s best hope to take on Trump once more.

“My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as president for the remainder of my term,” Biden had announced on X (formerly Twitter), drawing praise for his selfless approach and graceful exit from the campaign trail.

In the same statement, Biden reflected on his 2020 decision to choose Harris as his running mate—a move he described as one of the most significant and rewarding of his political career. “My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my vice president. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made,” he declared. “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats—it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

Kamala Harris’s campaign, which officially began shortly after Biden’s withdrawal, was historic in its own right. She became the first Black woman, the first South Asian American, and the first female vice president to run as a major party’s presidential nominee. Her campaign focused on equity, justice, climate resilience, economic recovery, reproductive rights, and safeguarding democracy—core Democratic values that energized key voter blocs across the country, even as the race ultimately fell short.

Throughout the Biden-Harris administration, the pair forged a working relationship rooted in mutual respect and shared values. Together, they navigated a host of national and global challenges, including a post-pandemic recovery, climate initiatives, a surge in immigration issues, and a struggling student loan system. Landmark policy efforts—such as the Inflation Reduction Act, expanded student loan forgiveness programs, and enhanced border policy reforms—underscored their administration’s commitment to long-term progress.

In public appearances, the two often presented a united front, demonstrating a clear partnership that helped shape the administration’s legacy. Harris, often entrusted with high-stakes issues, took on responsibilities ranging from addressing the root causes of migration to leading efforts on voting rights and reproductive freedom. Her strong stance and measured leadership earned her respect among Democrats and positioned her as a natural successor when Biden chose to step aside.

While the election result was disappointing for Harris and her supporters, Biden’s message emphasized perseverance and collective action. His statement served as both comfort and motivation for a party now tasked with reassessing its strategy and maintaining momentum despite the setback. “She has a backbone like a ramrod,” Biden reiterated—echoing words he has used before to describe Harris’s tenacity and integrity.

As the political landscape begins to shift once again under Trump’s return to office, Biden’s tribute to Harris reflects the enduring bond between two leaders who have shaped a transformative era in American politics. His unwavering endorsement and public recognition of her efforts are likely to leave a lasting impact, not just within the Democratic Party, but across a nation that continues to grapple with change and division.