“Unfit for Service”
“Best Interests”
'Proof of Life'
“Far Left Democrats”
'Resign'
“Low ability”
'coup d'etat'
“The biggest political cover-up”
“The 25th Amendment”
“Rigging”
“Where is Joe Biden?”
“Border Emperor”
“Gaslighting and lying to each and every one of us”
“From Wood Chipper to Democracy”
“Who's running the show?”
'all the best'
After President Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, Democratic lawmakers were quick to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, but most leading Republicans viewed the development with skepticism and contempt.
A New York Times analysis of statements from Republican senators, representatives and governors found that their reactions to Harris' planned candidacy and Biden's withdrawal centered around several themes, including opinions that Biden should step down or that the events of the past few days amount to an election subversion or bloodless coup. Recent polls have found that nearly nine in 10 Americans believe Biden's decision to step down was the right one.
Several officials also suggested Biden was missing. Biden returned to the White House on Tuesday after recovering from COVID-19 in Delaware. Many officials made statements attacking Harris' record, while a few posted positive or supportive comments. Emphasis in these quotes was added by The Times to highlight commonalities in the comments.
65 people called for Biden to withdraw coup d'etat or, Election interference.
'this is coup d'etat Of a puppet government.
“While President Trump is taking bullets for democracy, progressive Democrats are From wood chipper to democracy By crushing the will of 14 million primary voters.”
“Right now, the Democratic Party Rigging “It's their own election.”
These comments tend to argue that Biden's decision to drop out of the race was not his own, was not democratic, or both. Many have also derided Democrats for positioning themselves as “defenders of democracy” in contrast to Republicans in the wake of former President Donald J. Trump and his allies' attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
Some of this language had begun bubbling among Republicans even before Biden announced his withdrawal. At the Republican National Convention last week, Chris LaCivita, a top Trump campaign adviser, described the pressure on Biden to withdraw as an “attempted coup.”
97 people said Biden was I have to resign or Banishedor he Unfit for duty.
“Today I welcome the Biden-Harris Cabinet. 25th Amendment“If Biden is not capable of being a candidate, he is not capable of being president.”
“If Joe Biden cannot serve another term, he Resign At this point, if he's unfit to campaign, he shouldn't have the codes to nuclear weapons. That's it.”
“If Joe Biden is not fit to run for reelection, then he Unfit for Service for the remainder of his term.”
These comments are primarily arguing that if Biden cannot run for a second term, he is now unfit to serve — many are saying he should step down from office — and some have gone further, suggesting the 25th Amendment should be invoked to remove Biden from office.
76 is a high level conspiracy He spoke about Biden's health at the White House.
“Kamala Harris is Participated in a massive cover-up “To hide and deny the fact that Joe Biden was incompetent to do his job.”
“The American people, Gaslighting and lying to each and every one of us “About Mr. Biden's ability to lead our country. Kamala Harris is as responsible as Mr. Biden's senior staff and family in this plot to subvert our democracy.”
“The Democratic Party, The biggest political cover-up in history.”
The comments, without providing evidence, accuse Harris and other Democratic officials of orchestrating a cover-up to hide Biden's physical and mental health.
18 asked, “Where's Biden?” Or suggested the president was missing.
“Where is Joe Biden?” Who is running the show?'
“The Americans are asking: Where is Joe Biden?'
“Today, for the third time, I call on Joe Biden to the American people. Proof of life.
Biden, who has been self-isolating after contracting COVID-19 at his family's beach house in Delaware, announced he was withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race. The comments drew attention to Biden's recent lack of public appearances and, in some cases, calls for a demonstration that he is still alive. Biden is due to return to Washington on Tuesday afternoon and deliver a televised address this evening.
143 created Other statements: The attacks are primarily focused on Harris' record.
“Border Emperor“Harris is not doing her job to secure the border.”
“Kamala Harris Far-Left Democrats“Policies that encourage crime and neglect victims”
“Kakling Kamala is widely Low ability Than Joe Biden with dementia.”
Dozens of senior Republicans have made more typical political statements, criticizing Harris as a candidate, saying the usual line of attack that she has failed as a “border strategist” is misleading. (Some Republican candidates have already begun running such ads to draw attention to some of the more liberal positions Harris has taken in the past, particularly during her unsuccessful 2020 presidential primary campaign.)
And nine people Positive or supportive Commenting on Biden's decision.
“Fran and I are thrilled to welcome President Biden and the First Lady to the United States. all the best He will continue to serve as president for the remainder of his term and for years to come.”
“I understand and respect President Biden's decision not to seek reelection. Despite our political differences, appreciate He dedicated his life to the country he loved so dearly.”
“I respect President Biden's decision to act. Best Interest His resignation at the 2024 presidential election will determine the future of the country.”
Several Republican officials wrote kind letters and offered congratulations to Biden on his relationship with the president.
Check out the table below to see which Republican elected officials had issued what type of statements as of Tuesday night.
