‘An unmatched legacy, we’re forever grateful’

The plot thickens in the 2024 presidential race with Democratic Party candidate and incumbent President Joseph Biden dropping out of the race just a few months from Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election.

Yesterday, Biden, in a letter addressed to the nation, officially announced that he will be ending his presidential reelection campaign and will be dropping out of the presidential race.

The Democratic Party of the CNMI, for their part, has expressed their appreciation for the incumbent president stating his legacy is unmatched and adding that they believe him to be the most remarkable president in U.S. history.

“The Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands would like to express our deepest appreciation to President Joe Biden for his strong service and leadership. His dedication to our people and love for our nation. These past four years, President Biden set the stage with historic achievements and in our eyes is the most remarkable President in our history. We thank him for his contributions and improvements to the quality of life for the people of this great Commonwealth. An unmatched legacy and we are forever grateful,” said the party.

The Democratic Party’s NMI Delegate candidate, Rep. Edwin K. Propst (D-Saipan) has also spoken about Biden’s decision stating that the incumbent president has demonstrated the type of selflessness that the people look for in true leaders.

“His decision not to seek a second presidential term puts the needs of our nation first. This decision must have been very difficult for President Biden and his family, but I believe that he chose this path with America’s best interests in mind,” Propst said.

Propst notes that the CNMI, thanks to President Biden’s vital role and strong working relationship with current CNMI Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan (D-MP), has received substantial amounts of federal assistance despite the deeply divided United States Congress

“We cannot forget the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, in which the CNMI received $481,876,521.00, intended for COVID-19 economic relief assistance to the CNMI. I only wish the previous administration had used it more wisely and less corruptly,” he said.

Propst adds with President Biden’s decision, he hopes to see an end to the cruel political rhetoric and the crude personal attacks directed at President Biden recently for something that was beyond his control—aging.

“We live in islands and are raised in cultures where respect for our elders is ingrained in us. We look to our elders for their wisdom. We love them and take care of them as they grow older just as they took care of us when we were younger. It is evident President Biden isn’t as fast as he used to be, that he fumbles his words at times, or mixes up names…none of it intentional. I saw my dad go through this. At times he would get things mixed up. If we are lucky enough to have them around, we will all experience this with our elders as they grow older, but we are raised to never belittle or to disrespect them for it. And one day, if we live long enough, we will be there too, and we hope and pray that our loved ones who will care for us will have love, patience, and tolerance for us. And why do I write or care about this? Because aging is a natural process, while ‘ageism’ is not. Ageism refers to the stereotypes, discrimination, and prejudice towards others based on age. There is no excuse for it. Not even in politics,” he said.

“In the coming months as President Biden finishes out his term, I wish him the very best. Many of his accomplishments are ignored and dismissed quickly, because of divisive politics, but we should not forget all the good that he has done for the CNMI and for our nation as a whole. Thank you, President Joe Biden, and God bless you and your family,” he adds.

Saipan Tribune has reached out to other members of the Democratic Party of the NMI but have yet to receive a response.

According to President Joe Biden’s letter, he states the over the past three and a half years, America has made great progress as a nation.

“Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today,” he said.

“I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our Democracy and we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world. It’s been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president,” he said.

Although it was his intention to seek re-election, Biden said he believes it is in the best interest of the Democratic Party and the country for him to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling his duties as President for the remainder of his term.

“For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me re-elected. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me. I believe today what I always have; there is nothing America can’t do—when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America,” he said

Meanwhile, President Biden has since endorsed current Vice President Kamala Harris to run for president in the upcoming 2024 election.

She has already begun her campaign and vowed to “earn and win” the nomination.