Washington, D.C. — Today, President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. Following the announcement, Patrick Gaspard, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, issued a statement reflecting on Biden's presidency and the future of America.

"President Biden will go down in history as one of our great presidents. He inherited a country consumed by multiple crises, mired in the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic and reeling from the horrors of January 6th," Gaspard stated. "President Biden has lived up to his pledge to build back better. He has delivered a stronger and more inclusive economy; landmark legislation to fight climate change and rebuild our crumbling infrastructure. He has also confronted the existential threats to democracy both at home and abroad with conviction. America is more secure, prosperous, and powerful because Joe Biden has led it for four years."

Gaspard emphasized that this moment is about more than one individual or party. "The election thus far has focused more on the personal characteristics of those who want to lead our nation than the truly existential battle between democracy and autocracy we face," he noted. "It’s now incumbent on our elected leaders, the press, and all Americans to focus on the stark differences in vision for our country."

He concluded by invoking Benjamin Franklin's words: "Nearly 250 years ago, Benjamin Franklin proclaimed that America is 'a republic if you can keep it.' Now, it’s our generation’s obligation to uphold that promise as the keepers of democracy."

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