FilAms express their ‘gratitude’ to Joe Biden as he bows out of presidential race

Posted: July 22nd, 2024 ˑ Filled under: Politics ˑ No Comments

**NAFFAA’S Brendan Flores with President Joe Biden at the White House**

By Cristina DC Pastor

Filipino Americans voiced their support for President Joe Biden’s decision to “stand down” and drop out of the race and to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party’s candidate for president.

National Federation of Filipino American Associations National Chair Brendan Flores writes on Facebook, “President Biden’s decision not to seek reelection deserves our respect and gratitude. Regardless of our political views, we can all appreciate the dedication and hard work he has shown in serving our nation.” He thanked the president for his “service and commitment.”

Biden announced on July 21 that he is abandoning his reelection bid “in the best interest of my party and the country.” He said he will continue to “fulfill my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

He thanked Vice President Kamala Harris for “being an extraordinary partner” in his presidency and endorsed her as the Democratic Party standard bearer. Party faithfuls began to gravitate behind Harris framing the November elections as a contest between “the Prosecutor and the Prosecuted” referring to Republican candidate Donald Trump who was convicted on 34 counts in a hush money trial.

Enzo Manzano, president of the Filipino American Democratic Club of New York, issued this statement to The FilAm: “While there is a multitude of achievements to celebrate in President Biden’s term, he continues to put his country first and decide on what is the best path forward. We thank him for his decades of service.”

**Brad Baldia (left clockwise), Edwin Josue and Enzo Manzano**

He said, “This year’s elections are pivotal to the future of this country and its values. The Democratic Party continues to show that we are a party of ideas, progress, and one that is grounded on reality. There is too much at stake with Trump on the ballot and we will do all we can to defeat him once again.”

Business and community leader in Philadelphia Brad Baldia said President Biden’s decision to step down and subsequently endorse Vice President Kamala Harris “was a surprise to many people.”

“Since the President’s endorsement of Kamala, she has raised over $27.5 million dollars and received the major endorsements of most governors and Democratic political leaders. We are seeing a renewed energy for Democrats and progressives and just in time for the Democratic National Convention.”

He said, “Biden has been one of the most accomplished presidents in modern history and Vice President Harris will only help to ensure that we save our democracy from tyrants and criminals like Donald J. Trump.”

As for real estate professional Edwin Josue, he believes “Biden made the right decision: Country’s interest before self. Such a gentlemanly act!” He is confident Kamala Harris “will galvanize women, minority voters and the new generation.”

There had been mounting calls even from prominent leaders within his party for Biden to step down. They cited his declining health and had concerns about his ability to defeat Trump based on surveys. Biden rejected such sentiments insisting he could win the race. Until he tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and missed campaign rallies. Four days later, he made the announcement he was withdrawing and that he would just finish the rest of his term.