Czech leaders respond to Biden's exit from the US presidential race

In an unprecedented historical move, U.S. President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election race Sunday, opening the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic Party’s nominee.

Political analysts describe the decision as both expected and a “responsible and personally difficult step”, and it comes amid growing pressure from within the Democratic Party.

“This is an unprecedented historic moment,” said Jan Beneš, a political scientist at Charles University, noting that the withdrawal was anticipated as early as this past Sunday. “Biden’s support for Harris is a logical choice,” he added, pointing to the vice president’s political experience and appeal among crucial voter blocs.

Jakub Dopieralla, also from Charles University’s Faculty of Social Sciences, said Biden’s withdrawal was “expected,” with the “pressure on him from elected Democrats and party leaders becoming unsustainable.”

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, who met with Biden at the White House in April, called Biden’s decision “the decision of a statesman who has served his country for decades. It is a responsible and personally difficult step, but it is all the more valuable.” The prime minister added that he is “keeping [his] fingers crossed for the U.S. for a good president to emerge from the democratic competition between two strong and equal candidates.”

Other Czech politicians across the political spectrum echoed Fiala’s sentiments, with Speaker the Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová describing Biden’s move as “statesmanlike” and Interior Minister Vít Rakušan calling Biden “brave” and “wise.”

Senior opposition ANO first deputy chairman Karel Havlíček said the withdrawal was “rational and pragmatic,” noting Biden’s recent mental condition struggles.

In his announcement, Biden expressed his full support for Harris to become the Democratic nominee, a move seen as an opportunity to "reset" the party's campaign for the November election. The race is now wide open, with the Democratic Party facing the challenge of quickly fielding a strong candidate capable of defeating the Republican nominee, likely former President Donald Trump.

Speaking to Czech TV, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said the resignation was a surprise because it was not expected to come today, so soon. According to him, it is now a matter of American politics, and the Democratic Party must decide how to field its presidential candidate.

“I think we’re watching one of the most dramatic U.S. presidential elections in decades, including the fortunately failed assassination of the other candidate, Donald Trump,” Lipavský said on Czech TV. He said Europe must be prepared for a Republican or Democratic win.

During the NATO summit in Washington D.C. in July, Czech President Petr Pavel signaled preparation for a potential Trump return to the White House by visiting the pro-Trump Heritage Foundation. With various think tanks, Pavel discussed security, transatlantic relations, and the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

Former prime minister and ANO leader Andrej Babiš, speaking to iDnes.cz, said that he is not surprised by Biden’s decision. “It was to be expected after the televised debate with Donald Trump that this would happen. I still believe in the victory of former President Trump, who promised to end this crazy war quickly,” said Babiš.